If you are searching for a comforting, colorful, and downright delicious meal that won’t have you stuck in the kitchen all evening, this One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines hearty Italian sausage with tender baby potatoes, crisp green beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, and savory aromatics, all cooked together in one pan to develop incredible flavor. This recipe is a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you crave something satisfying without the fuss. The best part? Minimal cleanup and a perfectly balanced plate every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to success with this One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor, vibrant colors, and a variety of textures that make this dish so irresistible.
- Mild Italian sausage links (4): Choose quality sausage for juicy, flavorful protein that carries the dish.
- Water (1 ½ cups + 3 tablespoons): Used to cook and steam ingredients gently, preserving moisture.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps everything get beautifully browned.
- Large baby potatoes (2 cups, sliced wedges): Their creamy interior and crispy edges make every bite delightful.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon total): Brings a classic herbal note that ties all components together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Fresh green beans (1 cup): Provide a fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Red onion (½, diced): Adds sweetness and a tender bite when sautéed.
- Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, halved): Offer bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the onion flavor and rounds out the seasoning.
- Fresh chopped parsley: A bright garnish that livens up the final presentation.
How to Make One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
Start by placing the sausage links in a large skillet over medium-high heat along with 1 ½ cups of water. This steams the sausages to cook them through evenly without drying out. You’ll want to cook them for about 12-14 minutes until they are no longer pink inside. Once cooked, carefully drain the water and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Sear the sausages for 1-2 minutes to develop a nice golden-brown skin. Then, set the sausages aside on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the still-warm pan. Toss in the sliced baby potato wedges along with ½ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they become tender inside and develop a crispy, golden exterior. Once done, remove the potatoes from the skillet and place them next to the sausages to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic, onion powder, the rest of the dried Italian seasoning, fresh green beans, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these together for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and to soften the onions and beans while maintaining a slight crunch. Pour in 3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes to create a little steam that helps the vegetables become crisp-tender without losing their vibrant texture.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and return the cooked potatoes and sausages back to the pan. Allow everything to warm through together for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors mingle. Remove from the heat, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This final touch adds a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly rounds out the hearty components.
How to Serve One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic way to finish, lending a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavors if you prefer an extra layer of zest and umami.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe is quite a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a side, consider a warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices or a simple green salad for a crisp contrast. For those who like grains, a scoop of quinoa or fluffy rice pairs nicely without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet to keep things casual and fun. For a more formal touch, plate individual servings with the vegetables artistically arranged on one side and the sausage sliced and fanned out. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as garnish can impress guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from the One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers if needed, although the texture of cooked potatoes and green beans may change slightly after thawing. Place the cooled food in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the meal gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to preserve the dish’s texture and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add a kick to the dish, which is great if you enjoy a little heat. Just be aware it can change the overall flavor profile slightly, making it bolder and more intense.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes if I don’t have any?
Fingerling potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes work well as substitutes. You can also use regular potatoes cut into small chunks, but adjust cooking time to ensure they become tender. Sweet potatoes could be an interesting twist but expect a sweeter flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While sausage is central to this recipe’s character, you can swap it for plant-based sausage alternatives or smoked tofu for a vegetarian version. Adding extra veggies or mushrooms can boost the texture and flavor to keep it hearty.
Is it necessary to use water to cook the sausages?
Yes, the initial steaming with water helps cook the sausages thoroughly while keeping them juicy. It’s a simple trick that prevents burning and drying out during the searing step later on.
How do I know when the vegetables are cooked perfectly?
Vegetables should be crisp-tender — meaning they still have a slight bite but are cooked through. You want them soft enough to enjoy easily but not mushy. The quick sauté with a splash of water helps achieve this balance beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe is truly one of those home-cooked treasures that make weeknight dinners something to look forward to. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and flexible enough to please the whole family or a cozy solo meal. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might find it quickly becomes a favorite that you return to whenever you want savory comfort with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Print
One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables recipe combines savory Italian sausages with tender baby potatoes, fresh green beans, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Cooked all in one skillet, this flavorful and hearty meal is perfect for a convenient weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up.
Ingredients
Sausages and Cooking Liquids
- 4 mild Italian sausage links, uncooked
- 1 ½ cup (355 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Potatoes
- 2 cups large baby potatoes, skin on and sliced into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup (110 g) fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons water
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausages: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage links and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook for 12-14 minutes until the sausages are fully cooked. Discard any remaining water, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sear the sausages for 1-2 minutes until their skins brown slightly. Set the sausages aside on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Cook the Potatoes: Using the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the potato wedges, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through and tender. Remove the potatoes and set aside with the sausages.
- Sauté the Vegetables: To the skillet, add the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, remaining dried Italian seasoning, green beans, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes while stirring regularly. Pour in 3 tablespoons of water and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the water mostly evaporates and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine and Serve: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Return the cooked potatoes and sausages to the pan and heat through for a minute or two. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausages depending on your preferred heat level.
- Ensure the baby potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Cover the sausages with foil to keep them warm and juicy while preparing the rest.
- Add a splash of chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor while cooking the vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for added fullness.
