If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and cozy comfort all in one skillet, this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. It’s a celebration of tender andouille sausage browned to perfection, paired with sweet red and yellow bell peppers and savory onions, all infused with fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning. This simple yet deeply satisfying skillet meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or an easy weekend dinner. The magic lies in how these few ingredients dance together in your pan, delivering big taste without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe, it’s going to make many appearances on your menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is a breeze with a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the smoky sausage that adds meatiness, the colorful peppers that offer crunch and sweetness, or the bold seasonings that tie everything together.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Divided to brown the sausage and then sauté the veggies, bringing out their flavors beautifully.
- Andouille sausage, 12 to 14 ounces: Sliced thin for quick cooking and that signature smoky spiciness.
- Red bell pepper, 1: Adds a lively pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the sausage.
- Yellow bell pepper, 1: Offers a bright visual contrast and crisp texture.
- Small yellow onion, 1: Thinly sliced to soften and caramelize slightly for mellow sweetness.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Perfect mix of herbs that infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic, 4 cloves: Minced or pressed for a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a little kick.
- Green onion, 1 stalk: Sliced for a fresh, crisp garnish that finishes the skillet nicely.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil: A fragrant herbal topping that brightens the whole plate.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat oil and brown sausage
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the thinly sliced andouille sausage rounds in the pan, letting them brown evenly on all sides. This step takes about 5 to 6 minutes and is super important because it locks in that smoky flavor and gives the sausage a mouthwatering crispness. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside so the skillet is ready for the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté peppers and onions
Turn the heat up slightly to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the red and yellow bell peppers along with the thinly sliced onion. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to start building those warm and savory tastes. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften but still have a delightful crunch that contrasts with the sausage.
Step 3: Add garlic and seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic—this is where the skillet fills with enticing aroma. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Cook everything for another minute, just enough time for the garlic to become fragrant without turning bitter.
Step 4: Return sausage to skillet
Bring the browned sausage slices back into the pan with your colorful vegetables. Give everything a gentle toss, letting it cook together for just a minute so the flavors marry perfectly and the sausage gets heated through again.
Step 5: Adjust seasoning and garnish
Give the skillet a quick taste test. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want that extra heat. Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top to add a fresh, herbal note and a lovely presentation.
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this skillet with sliced green onions and fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only adds beautiful color highlights but also layers fresh flavors that brighten the savory dish. If you enjoy a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes scattered on top gives a nice contrast and invites your taste buds to wake up.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own for a low-carb option but also shines as a topping for steamed rice, creamy polenta, or buttered egg noodles. Serve alongside a simple crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices and make every bite count.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try stuffing these sausage and pepper delights into warm hoagie rolls for sandwiches or spoon the filling over cheesy garlic bread as a laid-back appetizer. Pairing with roasted potatoes or serving it alongside scrambled eggs can give it a fun brunch vibe too. The versatility makes this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe a star every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover sausage and peppers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal later in the week without extra prep.
Freezing
This skillet meal freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a tasty, speedy dinner, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over medium heat in a skillet to revive the crisp edges of the sausage and warm the veggies evenly. Alternatively, you can microwave them covered for a minute or two for convenience, but the stove method really brings back that fresh-cooked texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While andouille adds a smoky, spicy kick, you can swap it out for Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially if using raw sausage, to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have red or yellow bell peppers?
Feel free to substitute with any bell pepper color you have on hand. Green bell peppers are a bit more bitter but still work well. You might also try a mix of sweet mini peppers or even add some sliced banana peppers for a tangy twist.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I control the heat?
The base recipe has a mild spiciness thanks to the andouille sausage and optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer less heat, skip the red pepper flakes and choose mild sausage. To amp up the spice, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Cook the veggies the same way, and add your preferred seasonings for depth.
What is the best way to reheat without drying out the sausage?
Reheating on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth over low to medium heat helps maintain moisture. Covering the skillet while warming will trap steam, keeping the sausage juicy and the peppers tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how a simple Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe can come together to create a comforting, colorful, and flavor-packed meal that feels both homey and exciting. It’s fast enough for hectic nights but tasty enough to impress anyone at your table. So grab your skillet, gather those fantastic ingredients, and give this dish a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring browned andouille sausage combined with sautéed red and yellow bell peppers, onions, and aromatic garlic. Seasoned with Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes, it’s a colorful and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds (between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thickness)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté peppers and onions: Increase heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the vegetables and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to let the garlic release its aroma.
- Return sausage to skillet: Add the browned sausage slices back to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook together for 1 minute until the sausage is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with optional red pepper flakes, sliced green onions, and fresh chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers skillet as a low-carb meal on its own, or over rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute andouille sausage with Italian sausage or any smoked sausage of your choice.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra variety.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
