If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm Italian embrace after a busy day, look no further than this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. Vibrant bell peppers, golden-browned Italian sausage, and aromatic garlic all simmer together in one pan, creating a color-packed, flavor-loaded dinner that’s both easy and soul-satisfying. It comes together quickly, warms up your kitchen with inviting aromas, and delivers that comforting, rustic flavor you’ll crave over and over again.

Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is how each ingredient brings something essential to the party—whether it’s color, taste, or sheer coziness. These simple, familiar ingredients join forces for an utterly craveable dish with layers of flavor and texture.

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage and veggies to tender, glossy perfection.
Italian Sausage Links (sweet or spicy): Choose your favorite variety; either will infuse the dish with loads of savory flavor.
Red Bell Pepper: Offers sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color that livens up the skillet.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Milder and slightly fruity, it rounds out the pepper trio and adds sunny brightness to your plate.
Green Bell Pepper: Earthy and robust, it contrasts beautifully with the sweeter peppers for balance.
Yellow Onion: Sweetens and softens as it cooks, pairing perfectly with the peppers and sausage.
Garlic: A must for that rich, irresistible aroma and underlying layer of flavor.
Dried Oregano: Brings classic Italian herb notes to the dish and deepens the savory complexity.
Dried Basil: Compliments the oregano with its subtly sweet, peppery flavor—absolutely essential!
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Toss in for just a hint of heat, or leave out if you prefer a milder experience.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for coaxing out all the best flavors from the ingredients.
Chicken Broth or Water: Adds a little moisture to deglaze the skillet and meld all those fantastic flavors together.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A generous sprinkle over the top brings herby freshness and eye-catching color to the finished dish.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and fully cooked through. This takes about 7 to 9 minutes. Browning here is key—it adds a deep, savory flavor that makes this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe sing. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

In the same skillet (no need to clean it out; those sausage bits are flavor gold!) add the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and develop a bit of caramelization on the edges. This is where the skillet transforms into a colorful, aromatic wonderland.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices

Push the veggies to make a little well in the center of the pan and add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for just about a minute, until the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible and the garlic is fragrant but not brown.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Return the browned sausage to the skillet, nestling it into the softened veggies. Pour in the chicken broth or water, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Stir well and let everything simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the veggies reach your ideal tenderness and all the flavors meld gloriously.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower the skillet generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and savor every forkful—you’ve just made a restaurant-worthy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe right at home!

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the parsley! Chopped fresh parsley not only makes your Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe look restaurant-ready, but the herby, fresh flavor brightens up each bite. If you want to get a little fancy, try a grating of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving for an extra layer of zest and complexity.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully adaptable when it comes to sides. Pile the sausage and peppers over fluffy rice or creamy polenta, toss it with your favorite pasta, or heap it into a toasted hoagie roll for the ultimate sandwich. For something lighter, serve it over cauliflower rice or simply on its own with a garden-fresh salad to keep it low-carb and gluten-free.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the skillet! Stir leftovers into scrambled eggs for a breakfast hash, use it as a pizza or flatbread topping, or set up a DIY sausage and peppers bar with toasted rolls, giardiniera, and extra toppings for a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. A big family-style platter also makes for gorgeous, colorful serving at any dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe (lucky you!), simply let the leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, making them perfect for easy lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly, too! Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to three months. When a craving strikes, just defrost in the fridge overnight and you’ll have a hearty meal on hand without any fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the sausage and peppers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up—this helps the dish retain that fresh, saucy texture. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, stopping to stir partway through so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works beautifully in this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked and browned for the best flavor and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage is gluten-free. It pairs well with gluten-free rice, polenta, or even a grain-free side like cauliflower rice.

What if I prefer spicier food?

If you love heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes. You could also serve with hot giardiniera or a drizzle of chili oil for even more kick.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian spin, swap in your favorite plant-based sausage and even toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness. The spices and peppers still shine through with those swaps.

How can I prevent the veggies from getting mushy?

Keep your skillet over medium heat and don’t crowd your veggies—this way, they sear and caramelize instead of steaming. Also, don’t overcook; just sauté until tender but still bright and crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat, you owe it to yourself to try this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s colorful, full of bold Italian flavor, and guaranteed to impress whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy get-together. Give it a try and see why it’s one of my go-to favorites!

Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy one-pan meal, this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe features Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic seasonings cooked to perfection. Serve over rice, pasta, or in a hoagie roll for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Italian Sausage:

1 pound Italian sausage links (sweet or spicy), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

Peppers and Onions:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the sausage slices, and set aside.
Cook Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, cook peppers, onions, garlic, and seasonings until softened.
Combine and Simmer: Return sausage to the skillet, add broth, and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.