If you’re looking for a quick, beginner-friendly meal that’s full of flavor and nutrients, this Sausage and Cabbage Skillet is a must-try! Using pre-cooked chicken sausage and thinly sliced veggies keeps the prep simple and the cook time fast. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and comforting spices to keep you full and energized. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a fast dinner, this one-pan dish makes healthy eating easy and delicious.
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Why This Recipe Is PERFECT For Beginner Meal Preppers:
Pre-cooked sausage = timesaver! No need to worry about undercooked meat — it’s already cooked, you’re just heating it up.
Thinly sliced veggies cook FAST. Thin carrots and cabbage soften in minutes, cutting down your cooking time big time.
Minimal chopping required. We’re keeping it simple with just a few easy-to-handle ingredients.
One pan wonder. Fewer dishes = less cleanup = a happier you.
Big on flavor, light on effort. Thanks to that chipotle sausage and Italian seasoning, you get bold, smoky, and savory vibes without fancy techniques.
Meal prep-friendly! This dish stores and reheats like a dream. Make it once, enjoy it all week.
Balanced and nourishing. Protein + fiber-packed veggies + healthy fats from olive oil = a meal that fuels your day and keeps you satisfied.
Ingredient Breakdown: Why This Combo Works (For Flavor and Health!)
- Pre-cooked Chicken Sausage: Since it’s already cooked, this saves you tons of time and cooking steps! Just slice and heat. It’s a good source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, this variety has a little spicy kick from the chipotle and extra flavor from the cheese, so you get bold taste without needing a complicated sauce.
- White Onions: Onions add natural sweetness and depth of flavor to balance the spice of the sausage. Onions are low in calories but rich in antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health and immunity. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing when cooking!
- Baby Carrots: Carrots add a natural sweetness and a pop of color. Slicing them thinly helps them cook faster and evenly. Loaded with beta-carotene (hello, Vitamin A!), carrots are great for supporting healthy vision and skin.
- Cabbage: Cabbage bulks up the dish, making it super hearty and filling, without being heavy. It soaks up the flavors of the sausage and seasoning beautifully. Cabbage is rich in fiber for digestive health, plus vitamins C and K for immune support and bone health.
- Water: Helps steam the cabbage and carrots so they cook through faster and become tender. Okay, water isn’t adding nutrients, but it’s helping you cook with less oil and maintain moisture in the dish!
- Garlic Powder: Brings in a warm, savory flavor that compliments both the sausage and the veggies. Garlic contains compounds that support heart health and immune function. Plus, it adds flavor without extra calories.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple, all-in-one herb blend that brightens the dish and adds depth.
Easy Steps to Make Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
- Chop and prep your ingredients first. Dice your white onions into small pieces for even cooking. Slice the baby carrots thinly — this helps them soften quicker in the pan.
Slice the cabbage into thin strips. Cut your pre-cooked chicken sausage into round slices about ¼ inch thick. - Heat up your skillet. Place your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds until it shimmers. This means it’s ready!
- Sauté the onions and carrots. Add the diced onions and sliced carrots to the skillet.
Stir occasionally and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the onions turn slightly translucent and the carrots start to soften. - Add seasoning and cabbage. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced cabbage on top.
Pour in the ½ cup of water to help steam the veggies and keep them from sticking.
Stir everything together well so the seasonings coat all the veggies evenly. - Cook the cabbage. Let the mixture cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll see the cabbage soften and shrink down as it cooks — that’s perfect! - Add your sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes, just until the sausage is heated through. Since it’s pre-cooked, you’re just warming it up and letting the flavors come together.
- Serve and enjoy! Once everything is hot and the veggies are tender, remove from heat.
Healthy Meal Prep Pairing Tips for Your Sausage & Cabbage Skillet
- Add a Complex Carb for Energy: Your body needs carbs for energy, especially if you’re prepping lunches to power through busy days. Ideas: Brown rice, quinoa, whole grain pasta, or roasted sweet potatoes. These will soak up the tasty juices from the skillet and keep you full longer.
- Include a Fresh Side Salad or Crunchy Veggies: Adding fresh veggies boosts fiber, hydration, and gives your meal a refreshing crunch. Ideas: Pair with a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or snack on raw bell peppers, celery, or sugar snap peas on the side.
- Top with a Healthy Fat Boost (Optional but Awesome): Healthy fats help with nutrient absorption (especially all that vitamin A from the carrots!). Ideas: Add sliced avocado when you’re ready to eat, sprinkle some sunflower seeds, or drizzle a little extra olive oil.
- Add a Simple Sauce or Dressing for Variety: It keeps things exciting so you don’t get bored mid-week! Ideas: A light vinaigrette, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a little mustard-based dressing can brighten up the dish
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more vegetables?
Heck yes! This recipe is super flexible. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just slice them thinly so they cook at the same speed.
How do I know when the cabbage is cooked?
Great question! The cabbage is ready when it turns soft, slightly translucent, and easy to chew. It should still have a tiny bit of bite for texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sausage has a gentle kick from the chipotle, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer no heat, go with a milder sausage. If you love spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes!
Easy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Video
Notes
Nutrition