Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet

This Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Juicy sausages and crisp-tender broccoli are cooked to perfection in a buttery garlic herb sauce with a hint of spice. Ready in just 25 minutes, this low-carb, gluten-free dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb smoked or spicy Italian sausage (sliced or whole)
  • 1 lb broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for added heat)

Directions

  1. Blanch the Broccoli:
    • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
  2. Cook the Sausages:
    • Place sausages in a skillet with 1/2 cup water over medium heat. Cover partially and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until water evaporates.
    • Add 2 tbsp butter, half the minced garlic, and red chili flakes to the skillet. Cook sausages for another 2-3 minutes, letting them brown in the garlic butter. Remove sausages and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Broccoli:
    • In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter and add the remaining garlic, parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the blanched broccoli and toss to coat. Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock and lemon juice, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  4. Combine and Serve:
    • Return the sausages to the skillet and reheat for 1-2 minutes. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the sausages and broccoli.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a slice of lemon or a dash of hot sauce, if desired.

Nutrients

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (serves 4)
  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fat: 29 g
    • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 1 g

This Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is perfect for a low-carb, wholesome meal. It pairs well with cauliflower rice or a simple salad. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy reheating. Enjoy!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

The Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is a standout dish for several reasons:

  • Quick and Convenient: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic nights when you need a fast and delicious dinner.
  • One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
  • Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With only 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dish is ideal for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
  • Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce, Italian herbs, and optional chili flakes create a bold, savory flavor profile.
  • Customizable: This recipe is easy to adapt with different vegetables, sausages, or seasonings to suit your preferences.

This dish combines simplicity, flavor, and health-conscious cooking in one easy recipe.

Nutritional Highlights

While the Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is undeniably indulgent, it’s also packed with nutrients:

  • High Protein: With 18 grams of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
  • Low-Carb Option: At only 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this recipe is perfect for low-carb or keto meal plans.
  • Healthy Fats: The butter and sausage contribute healthy fats, which provide energy and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Rich in Fiber: The broccoli adds 2 grams of fiber per serving, supporting digestion and overall gut health.
  • Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins C and K, while parsley and garlic offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

At 355 calories per serving, this meal is filling and nourishing while still fitting into most dietary goals.

Flavor and Texture: A Perfect Match

This skillet recipe shines because of its incredible balance of flavors and textures:

  • Juicy, Smoky Sausage: The sausage provides a rich, meaty base with a slight smokiness and spice that complements the dish.
  • Crisp-Tender Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli ensures it retains a vibrant green color and a slight crunch, perfectly balancing the richness of the sausage and sauce.
  • Rich, Buttery Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is infused with Italian herbs, red chili flakes, and fresh lemon juice, adding a bright, savory, and slightly spicy finish.
  • Fresh Garnishes: Parsley and a squeeze of lemon elevate the dish, adding brightness and a hint of freshness.

Every bite offers a satisfying combination of bold, savory flavors and contrasting textures, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is a versatile recipe that works well in various settings:

  • Weeknight Dinner: With its quick preparation and one-pan cooking, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings.
  • Meal Prep: The dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
  • Casual Entertaining: Its vibrant presentation and bold flavors make it a great choice for casual gatherings or family meals.
  • Diet-Friendly Meal: This dish is naturally low in carbs, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Its adaptability and ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about the Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is how easily it can be tailored to your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

  • Switch the Protein: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or a plant-based sausage alternative for a different flavor or dietary need.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added variety and nutrition.
  • Make It Spicy: Add more red chili flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
  • Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the skillet before serving for a cheesy finish.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based sausage and dairy-free butter to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

These variations allow you to experiment with the recipe and make it uniquely yours.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

  • Blanch the Broccoli: Blanching ensures the broccoli cooks evenly and retains its bright green color and tender-crisp texture.
  • Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Brown the sausage just enough to enhance its flavor and texture without drying it out.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor and aroma for the sauce.
  • Deglaze the Skillet: Scrape the bottom of the skillet when adding chicken stock to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a minute or two to thicken.

These tips will help you achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal every time.

Pairing Suggestions

While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides or drinks can elevate the dining experience:

  • Low-Carb Sides: Serve with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a hearty, low-carb option.
  • Grain Alternatives: Pair with quinoa, farro, or brown rice for additional fiber and nutrients.
  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
  • Beverages: Pair with a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or enjoy with a sparkling water infused with lemon or lime.

These pairings add variety and texture while enhancing the overall flavor of the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

The Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: While the broccoli may lose some texture, the dish can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through.

Proper storage and reheating ensure that the dish remains flavorful and satisfying.

Conclusion

The Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal that combines the smoky, savory taste of sausage with the fresh crunch of broccoli, all brought together by a rich garlic butter sauce. Its low-carb and gluten-free nature make it a healthy choice, while its quick preparation and bold flavors make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

 

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