Sausage and Arugula Skillet Pizza
Try this sausage and arugula skillet pizza recipe
Try this sausage and arugula skillet pizza recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- arugula
- 2 sweet italian sausages or 6 ounces sweet italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 pound store bought or homemade pizza dough -i used trade
- 3 whole peeled canned tomatoes crushed - i used san marzano whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- fresh mozzarella cheese - thinly sliced
- Carbohydrate 5.71074916404903 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.251220833268273 g
- Fiber 1.08419165057807 g
- Protein 1.402869999402 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0451483333194907 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (373g)
- Sodium 19.9098333197676 mg
- Sugar 4.62655751347096 g
- Trans Fat 0.0661045833135384 g
- Calories 26 calories
Step-by-step
- Note: Most store bought pizza dough's are 1 pound. You can use the whole pound of pizza dough; I did the first time I made this pizza. It will be a thicker pizza in general, but it will still taste great. I used ½ pound the next time I made the pizza and it was a bit thinner and less doughy in spots, which I preferred.
- Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
- Remove sausages from their casings. All you have to do to remove the sausage from it's casing is to cut a slit down the length of the sausage and then peel it open and remove the sausage. You are going to literally push and tear it out of it's casing. You might have some casing left on the sausage, but it doesn't matter.
- Sauté the sausage over high heat until just cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes, breaking it up into bite-size pieces.
- Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the grease.
- Slice up your mozzarella, mince up your garlic & toss up your arugula with a splash of olive oil and set aside.
- Put the 3 peeled tomatoes into a small bowl. Crush the tomatoes with a fork and your fingers if needed. Don't be afraid to get your hands messy.
- Add the 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1-tablespoon olive oil, ½-teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the crushed tomatoes, mix them all together.
- Brush a 12-inch cast iron skillet with 1-teaspoon olive oil.
- Press dough flat in the skillet, spreading to the edge.
- Spread the tomato mixture over the dough.
- Cook over medium-high heat until the bottom of dough is golden brown. The recipe called for 3-4 minutes but mine took more like 5 minutes. We like ours a bit more browned. To check the dough, just take a spatula and lift up the side of the dough to see the bottom.
- Once the pizza crust is browned on the bottom, transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 3 minutes.
- After 3 minutes, remove the pizza from the oven and scatter the mozzarella and sausage on top. REMEMBER TO WEAR AN OVEN MITT WHEN TOUCHING THE CAST IRON PAN AS ITS HOT!
- Pop the pizza back in the oven.
- Cook the pizza for about 8-10 more minutes until the edge of the crust is golden brown.
- Slide the pizza out of the cast iron skillet onto a cutting board. Folks, I have had this cast iron pan for 2 months now and it's virtually non-stick. My pizza slid right out of the pan when I tipped it to the side, so don't fret about your crust sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Garnish pizza with the fresh arugula.
- Cut into individual slices and serve up with a fresh tossed salad or vegetable of your choice.
My Weeknight Skillet Pizza Hero
Weeknights are hectic, aren't they? Between juggling work, errands, and family commitments, finding time to cook a delicious, satisfying meal often feels impossible. That’s why I've become a huge fan of quick, easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. This sausage and arugula skillet pizza is my absolute go-to. It's ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen (shhh, don't tell anyone!).
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just fresh, flavorful components that come together beautifully. I love the combination of savory Italian sausage, peppery arugula, and creamy mozzarella. The slightly charred crust from the skillet adds a lovely textural contrast, and the whole thing is just incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together with friends.
I've always been a bit of a kitchen experimenter, always looking for ways to simplify my cooking routine without sacrificing taste. This recipe was born out of that desire. One evening, I was staring into my fridge, wondering what to make for dinner when I stumbled upon some leftover sausage, a bag of arugula, and a ball of pizza dough. It was a happy accident, really. The result was a surprisingly delicious pizza that's become a regular fixture in my meal rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- Speed: It's incredibly fast, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor: The combination of sausage, arugula, and mozzarella is irresistible.
- Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps.
- Versatility: Feel free to experiment with different sausage types, cheeses, or vegetables.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup!
I often adjust the recipe based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I’ll add roasted red peppers for extra sweetness, or swap the mozzarella for provolone or even a blend of cheeses. The arugula is a must, though; its peppery bite perfectly complements the richness of the sausage and cheese.
This pizza is not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. It's the kind of recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings or variations to find your perfect combination. And the best part? The cleanup is minimal, making it an even more appealing choice after a long day. So ditch the takeout menus and give this skillet pizza a try – you won't be disappointed!
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this skillet pizza holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simple pleasures – a satisfying meal shared with loved ones, the warmth of the kitchen, and the joy of creating something delicious from humble ingredients. It’s a recipe that reflects my approach to life: finding beauty in simplicity and appreciating the small moments.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving something truly satisfying, reach for this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and always a delicious reminder that even the simplest meals can be extraordinary.
Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
