Delicious Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Everyone Craves

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Looking for a delicious chicken sausage and cabbage recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes? This hearty one pan chicken sausage and cabbage skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner solution that combines lean protein with nutrient packed vegetables for a satisfying, healthy meal the whole family will love.

This chicken sausage and cabbage skillet recipe has become my go to comfort food when I need something quick, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. The best part? Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze while creating layers of incredible taste.

Why This Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Recipe Works

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This chicken sausage and cabbage recipe is designed for real life. When you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between, you need meals that are both nutritious and simple. This one pan chicken sausage and cabbage dish delivers restaurant quality flavors with minimal effort.

Nutritionally Balanced

The combination of lean chicken sausage and fiber rich cabbage creates a perfectly balanced meal. You’ll get high quality protein, essential vitamins, and plenty of vegetables all in one delicious skillet.

Budget – Friendly Ingredients

Cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables year round, and chicken sausage provided premium protein without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Recipe

• 1 pound chicken sausage ( Italian style, mild or spicy) sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 medium green cabbage ( roughly chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium bell peppers ( red, yellow or green, cut into strips
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can diced tomatoes ( drained, can you fresh tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt ( adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes ( optional, for spicy flavor)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh lemon wedges

 

How to make Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

Step 1 : Prep Your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Ingredients

Pro Tip: Prepare all the ingredients before you start. This will give a positive result for this recipe

Slice your chicken sausage into even 1/2 inch rounds for even cooking. Chop the cabbage into bite sized pieces, removing the tough core. Slice onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage Perfectly

Heat 1 tbs of olive oil in your large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken sausage slices in a singer layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly caramelized.

Why this matters: Browning the chicken sausages creates a flavorful fond ( those delicious brown bits) that will enhance the entire chicken sausage and cabbage dish. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Build the flavor Foundation

In the same skillet with the remaining fond, add the second tsp of olive oil. Add sliced onions and cook for 3 – 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Chef’s Secret: Don’t rush this step- properly sauteed onions and garlic are the flavor foundation of any great chicken sausage and cabbage recipe.

Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Cabbage

Add bell pepper strips and cook for 2 – 3 minutes until slightly softened. Now add the chopped cabbage gradually, stirring to combine. The cabbage will seem like a lot initially, but it will cook down once it releases moisture.

Step 5: Season Your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

Sprinkle oregano, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes ( if using) over the vegetables. Add the drained diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to spread the seasonings evenly throughout your chicken sausage and cabbage mixture.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Return the brown chicken sausage to the skillet, with the vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover the skillet, simmer for 12 – 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be tender but still have a slight bite when done.

Step 7: Finally Seasoning and Rest

Taste and adjust salt, pepper and other seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and let the chicken sausage and cabbage rest for 2- 3 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutritional Information ( Per Serving)

Note the value may depending on the chicken sausage and oil used

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 16 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Vitamin C: 57 mg
• Vitamin K: 122 mcg
• Potassium: 420 mg

 

Health Benefits of Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

High Quality Lean Protein

Chicken sausaage provided complete protein with all essential amino acids while containing les saturated fat than traditional pork sausage. this makes our chicken sausage and cabbage recipe ideal for muscle maintenance and weight management.

Cabbage: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Cabbage is incredible nutrient dense and low in calories. One serving of this chicken sausage and cabbage provides over 95% of your daily vitamin C needs and significant amounts of vitamin K, which supports bone health.

Anti – Inflammatory Compounds

The garlic, onions, and tomatoes in this recipe provide natural anti inflammatory compounds that support overall health and immune function.

Digestive Health Support

The high fiber content from cabbage and other vegetables promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

Transform this recipe by adding:

• Kalamata olives (1/2 cup)
• Sun-dried tomatoes ( 1/4 cup, chopped)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Crumbled feta cheese

Low -Carb Keto Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

Make this recipe keto-friendly by:

• Using sugar free chicken sausage
• Omitting tomatoes and balsamic vinegar
• Adding extra olive oil or butter
• Including mushrooms for extra umami

Spicy Southwest Version

Heat things up with:

• Spicy chicken sausage
• Corn kernels ( 1/2 cup)
• Black beans (1/2 cup)
• Cumin and chilli powerder
• Fresh cilantro and lime juice

Asian – Inspired Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

Create and Asian fusion by using:

• Sesame oil instead of olive oil
• Soy sauce and rice vinegar
• Fresh ginger and garlic
• Snap peas or carrots
• Green onions for garnish

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

This chicken sausage and cabbage skillet keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Meal Prep Strategy

This chicken sausage and cabbage recipe is ideal for Sunday meal prep. Make a double batch and portion into containers with your favorite grains or cauliflower rice for complete, grab and go meals.

What to Serve with Chicken sausage and Cabbage

• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls

Additional sides

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Mashed cauliflower
• Steamed broccoli

Conclusion

This chicken sausage and cabbage recipe proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With just 35 miinutes and one pan, you can create a restaurant quality dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Pro Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for those extra busy weeks when you need a healthy, homemade meal in minutes. This chicken sausage and cabbage dish is truly the gift that keeps on giving.