Sausage and Peppers Skillet
The Sausage and Peppers Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan dish combining juicy Italian sausage with sweet and tangy bell peppers, onions, and aromatic seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balance of bold flavors and vibrant colors with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Italian Sausage (mild or spicy) – 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bell Peppers (red, green, and yellow) – 3 medium, sliced into strips
- Onion – 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers into strips, thinly slice the onion, and mince the garlic. Cut the sausage links into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking later.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften but still have a bit of crunch and the onions turn translucent.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, mixing everything well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving to add freshness and a pop of color.
Notes
- Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor; fresh, well-seasoned links work best.
- Don’t overcook the peppers; leaving them slightly crisp enhances texture and color.
- After browning sausage, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or white wine to lift flavorful browned bits.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level to balance the dish.
- Keep everything cooked in one skillet to meld flavors and simplify cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: sausage and peppers, quick dinner, one-pan meal, Italian sausage recipe, easy skillet dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free