Sometimes, the best meals come together when you’re only half paying attention to the clock. This chicken sausage sheet pan dinner is exactly that kind of recipe—straightforward, colorful, and full of flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.
The other night, I tossed the sliced chicken sausage and a rainbow of vegetables onto a sheet pan while the kids debated over homework somewhere in the background. The oven’s warmth filled the kitchen as the savory aroma of garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs slowly took over. I remember glancing at my watch, thinking I might have forgotten something, but it was already smelling like dinner was ready to be devoured. Pulling that pan out, I was greeted with perfectly roasted veggies, the chicken sausage browned just right, and a burst of freshness from the parsley sprinkled on top. It wasn’t fancy, and honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I’d remember every spice I’d thrown in—but that’s what made it feel like a real, lived-in dinner.
It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t ask for much: a single pan, a few simple ingredients, and about 45 minutes of your evening. No complicated steps or fancy techniques, just honest roasting that lets the natural flavors shine through. And the cleanup? Well, that’s minimal, which is almost a small miracle on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love It
- One-pan magic means fewer dishes, so you can spend more time doing whatever else you love after dinner.
- Roasting brings out a rich, caramelized sweetness in the vegetables and sausage—you’ll notice it even if you’re only half paying attention, like I was.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. There’s no need to fuss over complicated steps to get a satisfying meal on the table.
- Flexible enough to swap in your favorite veggies or sausage varieties, though I haven’t tested every combo yet.
If you’re nervous about timing or temperature, don’t worry too much. The sausage and veggies have a bit of wiggle room before they’re perfect, so it’s forgiving for those nights when you get distracted or the oven behaves a little differently.
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Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring flavorful chicken sausage, roasted vegetables, and a simple seasoning blend. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
2 medium red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 medium zucchinis, cut into 1/2-inch thick half-moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken sausage, red bell peppers, yellow bell pepper, red onion, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil over the sausage and vegetables.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
Toss everything together until the sausage and vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Spread the mixture out in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken sausage is cooked through and browned.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes: Using a large sheet pan gives everything room to roast instead of steam, which is key for that slightly crisp edge we’re after. I usually grab whatever chicken sausage is on sale or what I have on hand, and it always turns out well. Pair this dinner with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any pan juices. For a twist, I sometimes swap out the bell peppers for sweet potatoes or toss in some mushrooms—though those may need a bit more time to cook through. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or a bit of grated Parmesan before serving can also brighten things up if you’re in the mood.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prep and toss everything together in the bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours before roasting. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What if I don’t have all the seasonings? No worries—use what you have. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are great, but a pinch of oregano, thyme, or even some chili flakes can work too.
Can I use pork or beef sausage instead? Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time since different sausages can vary. Chicken sausage tends to cook fairly quickly.
Ready to try this no-fuss, flavorful sheet pan dinner? It’s waiting for you to dive in.