If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and heartwarming comfort, you’ve got to try this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of juicy Italian sausages, tender bell peppers, sweet onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce that all come together in one skillet. The magic happens as these simple ingredients mingle and simmer, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. This recipe is so straightforward yet packed with flavor, making it a favorite in many homes—even from the very first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, texture, or that pop of color that makes the dish stunning on your plate.
- 4 Italian sausages (sweet, mild, or spicy): The star protein that brings juicy, savory richness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection with a lovely, mild flavor.
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a bit of bite that balances the meat beautifully.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Delivers vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced): Gives a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the other peppers.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic punch that wakes up every taste bud.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of herbal earthiness that complements the Italian sausage.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds floral, slightly sweet undertones to enrich the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick if you love a little heat.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Creates a rich, concentrated tomato base that ties everything together.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth or white wine: Adds moisture and depth, helping the sauce achieve the perfect consistency.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Finishes the dish with a pop of fresh, herbal brightness.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your Italian sausages. Let them brown beautifully on all sides, turning now and then. This step takes about 10 to 12 minutes, and it’s where those incredible sausage flavors develop. Once they’re cooked through, set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers
Using the same skillet, pour in the olive oil and warm it up. Then, toss in the thinly sliced onions and both red and green bell peppers. Let them cook down for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to smell sweet and inviting. This is where the color and texture start to shine in your skillet.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Now, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and if you like a hint of spice, the red pepper flakes. Season everything with salt and pepper. Cook for another couple of minutes so the garlic releases its fragrance and the herbs come alive in the pan.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomato Paste
Push your veggies to one side of the skillet, making a little space for the tomato paste. Add it there and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This step intensifies the tomato flavor, giving your sauce a lovely depth and richness.
Step 5: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and mix well so the tomato paste dissolves into the liquid, creating a smooth sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, which will allow the flavors to start melding together beautifully.
Step 6: Return Sausages to the Skillet
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and nestle your cooked sausages back into the skillet among the veggies and sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering melds all the flavors deliciously and keeps the sausages juicy.
Step 7: Final Touches
Take off the lid, give the sauce a good stir. If it feels too thick, just splash in a little more broth or wine to loosen things up. At this point, your sausage and peppers are perfectly saucy and bursting with flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a beautiful pop of color and fresh herbiness. Your skillet is ready to serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch for this dish. You can also add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory richness or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors right before serving. These simple garnishes elevate the visual appeal and kick up the taste.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a crusty loaf of Italian bread are fantastic for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli adds contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the sausage and pepper mixture over fluffy rice or toss it with cooked pasta for a satisfying one-pan meal. You can also pile it high on toasted hoagie rolls to make hearty sausage and pepper sandwiches that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal or quick lunch option.
Freezing
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave portions for convenience—just cover to retain moisture and heat evenly. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausages are traditional, you can experiment with chorizo, bratwurst, or turkey sausage. Just adjust cooking times if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian take on the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe.
What can I use instead of chicken broth or white wine?
If you don’t have chicken broth or wine on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of seasoning will work fine. The broth adds depth, but the other liquids will still help create a delicious sauce.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. You can easily omit them if you prefer a mild dish or increase them if you like it spicy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the sausages and peppers up to a day in advance and simply reheat when ready to serve. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe enough if you want a meal that’s as comforting as it is vibrant. It’s effortless to make, packed with crowd-pleasing flavors, and perfect for any night of the week. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites to share with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Sausage and Peppers recipe features Italian sausages cooked to perfection with sautéed onions and bell peppers in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting dish ideal for a family dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 4 Italian sausages (sweet, mild, or spicy, your preference)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausages. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausages. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and peppers. In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add garlic and herbs. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the tomato paste. Push vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the tomato paste to the cleared space. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor.
- Add liquid and simmer. Pour in chicken broth or white wine and stir to combine with tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return sausages to skillet. Reduce heat to low and nestle the cooked sausages back into the sauce and vegetables.
- Simmer covered. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Adjust sauce consistency. Remove the lid and stir. Add additional broth or wine if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, serve hot, and enjoy your hearty sausage and peppers.
Notes
- You can use chicken or pork Italian sausages depending on your preference.
- For extra heat, use spicy Italian sausages and add more red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives.
