This Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet Dinner is a one-pan meal that packs a punch! Juicy sausage links cook up with colorful bell peppers and onions, making it as tasty as it is simple.
Cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and more fun! I love serving it over pasta or in a crusty roll for a quick dinner that everyone’s excited about. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds color and flavor. Don’t have all three? Any color will do, or you can substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Onions: Sweet onions, like Vidalia, can enhance the flavor, but regular yellow onions are just fine. If you’re avoiding onions, leeks offer a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big taste difference, but garlic powder can be a quick alternative in a pinch. Start with 1 teaspoon of powder if you don’t have fresh.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Properly?
Sautéing is about cooking food quickly over medium-high heat. For perfectly tender and sweet veggies, here’s what to do:
- Heat the oil until shimmering before adding veggies.
- Keep the ingredients moving! Stir them frequently for even cooking.
- Cook until just softened, usually around 5–7 minutes for peppers and onions.
Taking care during this step elevates the overall taste of the dish!
Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: crusty bread or cooked pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a flavorful dinner without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausages:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links, cooking them until they’re browned on all sides and fully cooked, which will take about 10-12 minutes. Once they’re cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté these together until the vegetables soften, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Aromatics and Seasoning:
Now, it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick!). Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant.
4. Combine Sausages and Veggies:
Slice the cooked sausages into 1-inch pieces and return them to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. It’s all coming together now!
5. Simmer and Finish:
Pour in the chicken broth or water, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to collect any tasty browned bits. Allow everything to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Before serving, taste the dish and make any adjustments to the seasoning as desired. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve this scrumptious dish hot over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside slices of crusty bread. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet Dinner
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use other sausages like chicken, turkey, or even veggie sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of sausage you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’d like to kick up the heat, consider adding extra red pepper flakes or even some sliced jalapeños. You can also use spicy Italian sausage to enhance the flavor!
