Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage: A Weeknight Winner!
This Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage recipe is your new go-to for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and requires minimal cleanup. Forget slaving over a hot stove – this dish is all about tossing everything on a single sheet pan and letting the oven do its magic. We’re talking flavorful chicken sausage, tender-crisp cabbage, and a medley of seasonings that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a complete meal in one, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. Get ready to simplify your dinner routine with this delicious and satisfying sheet pan creation!
## Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Dinner
* **Easy Cleanup:** One sheet pan means fewer dishes!
* **Quick and Convenient:** Ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** A satisfying combination of savory sausage and sweet cabbage.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 pound Chicken Sausage:** Choose your favorite flavor – Italian, apple, or spicy are all great options. Make sure it’s fully cooked or pre-cooked variety.
* **1 medium head of Cabbage:** Green cabbage is the classic choice, but red cabbage works too.
* **1 medium Onion:** Yellow or white onion, sliced.
* **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is preferred.
* **1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity and brightness. (Optional)
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** For that garlicky goodness.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika:** Adds a smoky depth.
* **1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat (optional).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Herbs (optional):** Parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish.
* **Other Vegetables (optional):** Bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes.
## Equipment
* **Large Sheet Pan:** Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all the ingredients in a single layer.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil (optional):** For easy cleanup.
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the vegetables with oil and seasonings.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables and sausage.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Place the cut side down on a cutting board and slice each half into 1/2-inch thick wedges. This ensures even cooking.
3. **Prepare the Onion:** Peel the onion and slice it into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can also quarter the onion if you prefer larger pieces.
4. **Prepare the Sausage:** Slice the chicken sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If you are using a larger sausage link, you may need to cut it in half lengthwise before slicing.
5. **Toss Everything Together:** In a large bowl, combine the cabbage wedges, sliced onion, and sausage rounds. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar (if using). Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables and sausage are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Make sure everything is well distributed for optimal flavor.
6. **Arrange on the Sheet Pan:** Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup (optional, but recommended). Spread the cabbage, onion, and sausage in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two sheet pans.
7. **Roast in the Oven:** Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp and the sausage is heated through. Halfway through cooking, flip the vegetables and sausage to ensure even browning.
8. **Check for Doneness:** The cabbage should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. The sausage should be heated through and slightly browned. If the vegetables are browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature slightly.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked food. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
* **Cut Vegetables Evenly:** Cutting the vegetables into uniform sizes ensures that they cook evenly.
* **Use High Heat:** Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps the vegetables caramelize and develop a delicious flavor.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Season Generously:** Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.
* **Flip Halfway Through:** Flipping the vegetables and sausage halfway through cooking ensures even browning.
* **Use Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:** Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the vegetables. Check for doneness frequently and adjust cooking time as needed.
## Variations and Customizations
This Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
* **Different Sausage Flavors:** Experiment with different flavors of chicken sausage, such as Italian, apple, spicy, or chorizo.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower. Consider roasting root vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a slightly longer time (add them 10-15 minutes before the cabbage).
* **Different Spices and Herbs:** Use different spices and herbs to create different flavor profiles. Try adding cumin, coriander, chili powder, dried oregano, or fresh thyme.
* **Add a Sauce:** Drizzle a sauce over the roasted vegetables and sausage before serving. Some good options include honey mustard, balsamic glaze, or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese over the roasted vegetables and sausage during the last few minutes of cooking. Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese would all be delicious.
* **Low-Carb Option:** Omit the potatoes or other starchy vegetables for a low-carb meal.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu.
## Serving Suggestions
This Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish or two. Here are a few ideas:
* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the sausage and cabbage.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Adds a hearty and filling element to the meal.
* **Salad:** A refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the roasted vegetables and sausage.
* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the sheet pan.
* **Mustard:** Dijon mustard or stone-ground mustard are excellent condiments for the sausage.
* **Sauerkraut:** Adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor that pairs well with sausage and cabbage.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage can be prepped ahead of time, making it even easier to get dinner on the table on busy weeknights.
* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop the cabbage, onion, and any other vegetables you plan to use up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Slice the Sausage:** Slice the sausage up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, sliced sausage, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (if using), and seasonings. Toss everything together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to cook, simply spread the ingredients on a sheet pan and roast in the oven as directed.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## More Sheet Pan Dinner Recipes
If you love this Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage recipe, here are a few other sheet pan dinner ideas to try:
* **Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables:** A classic and flavorful combination.
* **Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas:** A quick and easy weeknight meal with a Tex-Mex twist.
* **Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes:** A healthy and delicious dinner that’s ready in minutes.
* **Sheet Pan Chicken and Broccoli:** A simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy families.
* **Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers:** Another flavorful and easy sheet pan dinner option.
## Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Roasted Cabbage recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and customizable, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this sheet pan dinner is sure to become a regular in your rotation. So, grab your sheet pan and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and customizations to create your own signature sheet pan masterpiece. Happy cooking!