Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage Skillet

This Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage Skillet is a colorful and savory dish, which features tender bell peppers and mild sweet Italian sausage. It’s a versatile 20-minute supper, ready in no time.

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Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage (or Sweet Apple if preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup marinara sauce (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for contrast)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Hoagie rolls or cooked pasta, for serving

How To Make Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage

1. Prep the meat: Remove the chicken sausages from the package. Slice them on a diagonal into ½-inch thick coins. (Diagonal slices look better and provide more surface area for browning).
2. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender-crisp and starting to char slightly at the edges.
4. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and simmer: Return the browned sausage coins to the pan. Pour in the marinara sauce (or chicken broth). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Finish: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or piled into toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Peppers matter: Use red, orange, or yellow peppers rather than green. Their natural sweetness enhances the “Sweet Italian” profile of the sausage.
• Sauce control: This recipe uses just a splash of marinara (½ cup) to coat the ingredients without drowning them. If you want a pasta sauce, increase the marinara to 2 cups.
• Whole link option: You can leave the sausages whole if serving them in buns. Brown them on all sides first, then nestle them into the peppers to finish heating through.
• Deglazing: If the pan develops brown bits (fond) after cooking the sausage, add a splash of water or wine before adding the peppers to lift that flavor into the vegetables.

What To Serve With Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage

• Hoagie Rolls: Top with provolone and broil for a classic Sausage & Pepper sub.
• Penne Pasta: Toss the skillet mixture with cooked pasta.
• Polenta: Spoon the saucy mixture over creamy cheesy polenta.
• Cauliflower Rice: Keep it low-carb and gluten-free.

How To Store Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 340kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturates: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Salt: 1.1g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings).

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