Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Skillet with Fennel, Golden Cauliflower, and Olives
🥑 Keto
Intermediate

Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Skillet with Fennel, Golden Cauliflower, and Olives

An original keto skillet recipe with browned Italian sausage, caramelized fennel, roasted cauliflower, and a creamy Parmesan-olive sauce. Rich, comforting, and low in carbs, it is ideal for a complete weeknight dinner.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
KetoGluten-FreeLow CarbHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 450 g fresh sugar-free Italian sausage, cut into pieces (puede ser suave or picante)
  • 500 g cauliflower in small florets (approx. 5 cups)
  • 250 g fennel bulb, thinly sliced (approx. 2 cups)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 30 g butter
  • 12 g minced garlic
  • 5 g fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 g smoked paprika
  • 120 ml chicken broth
  • 180 ml heavy cream
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 70 g pitted green olives, halved
  • 2 g lemon zest
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 8 g chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

620 kcal
Calories
24 g
Protein
10 g
Carbs
50 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
7 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place the cauliflower on a sheet pan and toss it with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the smoked paprika. Roast for 20 to 22 minutes at 220°C / 425°F, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.

  2. 2

    While the cauliflower roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage pieces and brown them for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking them up lightly with a spoon, until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter to the same skillet. When the butter melts, add the sliced fennel and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until tender with golden edges.

  4. 4

    Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the fennel. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release the browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

  6. 6

    Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, green olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is creamy and lightly thickened.

  7. 7

    Return the browned sausage to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the roasted cauliflower as well and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Cook 2 minutes more to blend the flavors.

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust with the remaining salt and more black pepper if needed. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Chef tips

For better browning, do not overcrowd the cauliflower on the pan. If the sausage releases a lot of fat, remove some of it before cooking the fennel so the sauce stays balanced.

Substitutions

You can swap the fennel for half-moon zucchini, or use black olives instead of green olives. If you do not have Parmesan, use grated pecorino and adjust the salt since it is saltier.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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