This is a one-pan skillet of Italian sausage with onion, garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and spinach, finished with heavy cream and Parmesan for a creamy Tuscan-style sauce. Everything cooks in a single large skillet, in stages, so each part gets the time it needs. Prep takes 10 minutes and cooking takes 20, for 30 minutes in total. The recipe makes 4 servings, and the card lists 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
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With one skillet to wash, cleanup is short. Dice the onion and red pepper, slice the zucchini, halve the tomatoes and mince the garlic before you start, and the cooking moves quickly.
What Goes in the Skillet
Amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. Here is what each ingredient adds.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy): the main protein and the base of the flavor. Mild suits a family meal and spicy adds a kick.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): for browning the sausage.
- Onion (1 medium) and garlic (3 cloves): the aromatic base. The onion adds sweetness.
- Red bell pepper (1) and zucchini (1): color and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved) and fresh spinach (1 cup): they soften and wilt into the sauce at the end.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon), salt and pepper: the Tuscan flavor.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup) and Parmesan (¼ cup, grated): make the creamy finish.
- Fresh basil: for garnish.
Cooking Order
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until nicely browned.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
Add the red pepper and zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
Pour in the cream, sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and stir well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until heated through. Garnish with basil and serve hot.
Tips
- Pick a good sausage. It carries the dish, so look for one made with natural ingredients and no added sugars.
- Season to your taste. Adjust the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep ahead. Chop the vegetables and measure the spices in advance and keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Pan size. A large skillet is best. In a medium one, cook in batches.
- Add depth. Sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of balsamic vinegar both work.
Ways to Change It
- Lighter sausage: chicken or turkey sausage in place of Italian sausage, which lowers the fat.
- Different vegetables: mushrooms or kale, other colors of bell pepper, or broccoli.
- More heat: red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
What to Serve With It
Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles soak up the creamy sauce and make the meal feel more substantial. A green salad of mixed greens and cucumbers with olive oil dressing balances the richness. To drink, a dry red or white wine, or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition
One serving has approximately 400 calories, 32 grams of fat (12 grams saturated), 6 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, 24 grams of protein and 800 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
How should leftovers be stored?
Let the skillet cool completely, then move it to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk make it lighter. Cream cheese or Greek yogurt give a thicker result, though both change the carb count.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Low Carb Tuscan Style Sausage Skillet: Easy & Delicious!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using sun-dried tomatoes or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar.
You can also substitute the sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 calories |
| Sugar Content | 3g |
| Sodium Content | 800mg |
| Fat Content | 32g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 12g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 20g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 6g |
| Fiber Content | 2g |
| Protein Content | 24g |
| Cholesterol Content | 100mg |