Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet

 

Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is a savory and straightforward dish that combines juicy sausages with tender broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup. The garlic butter adds a flavorful, indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the hearty sausages and crisp-tender broccoli.

Ingredients

• For the Skillet:
  • 4-6 sausages (your choice of type, such as Italian, bratwurst, or chicken sausages)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausages

1. Cook Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it first. Toss the broccoli in the garlic butter sauce.

3. 3. Cook Broccoli

   1. Add Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the broccoli. This will help steam the broccoli and infuse it with flavor.
   2. Season and Cook: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper over the broccoli. Stir to coat. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

   4. Combine and Finish

   1. Return Sausages: Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Stir to combine with the broccoli and garlic butter sauce.
   2. Add Parmesan: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and well-combined.
   3. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a bit more color and flavor, you can broil the skillet for a few minutes until the top is slightly crispy.

   4. 5. Serve

      1. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
      2. Plate: Serve the garlic butter sausages and broccoli directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving platter.

      Tips for Success

      • Sausages: Use a type of sausage that you enjoy and ensure they are fully cooked before slicing. If using raw sausages, cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
      • Broccoli: For extra crispy broccoli, you can use fresh broccoli and cook it until slightly charred. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture.
      • Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and add other herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.

      Variations

      • Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.
      • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.
      • Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.