If you are craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that bursts with bold flavors and hearty textures, look no further than this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It beautifully combines juicy andouille sausage with sweet bell peppers and aromatic onions in a simple one-pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a flavorful celebration of colorful ingredients and comforting textures you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful players in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this skillet dish. Each component adds depth, from the spicy richness of the sausage to the fresh crispness of the peppers and the aromatic hint of garlic and herbs.
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy kick and a meaty texture that forms the star of the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the skillet.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Adds a mild flavor and beautiful golden hue.
- 1 small yellow onion: Introduces subtle sweetness and earthiness once caramelized.
- 4 cloves garlic: Imparts rich aroma and a punch of savory intensity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A lovely herb blend that enhances the dish’s aromatic profile.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides extra heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors precisely.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for cooking and developing rich flavors without overpowering the ingredients.
- 1 green onion, sliced: Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch as garnish.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil: Offers a refreshing herbal finish for both color and taste.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start your dish by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil shimmering enough to cook but not so hot that it smokes. This sets the stage for flavor development without burning the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the thinly sliced andouille sausage rounds to the hot skillet. Cook them evenly, turning occasionally, until they develop a beautiful browned, slightly crisped exterior in about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning step is crucial because it deepens the sausage’s rich flavor. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to make room for the veggies.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Turn up the heat to medium-high and pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the red and yellow bell peppers, along with the sliced yellow onion, to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper at this stage. Cook everything, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just crisp-tender and still maintain their vivid colors—typically about 4 to 5 minutes. This keeps their fresh texture while melding their flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook with the vegetables for another minute. Garlic’s aroma will fill your kitchen, but be sure to keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter. This quick cooking releases garlic’s flavor perfectly into the mix.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Finish Cooking
Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients. Let everything cook together for an additional minute to warm the sausage through and allow the flavors to harmonize. This step is where all the delicious elements come together in perfect balance.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Garnish
Give the dish a taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you like an extra touch of heat, sprinkle on some optional red pepper flakes. Finally, garnish your skillet masterpiece with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to brighten and freshen every bite.
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly sliced green onions and chopped herbs like parsley or basil not only adds a beautiful pop of color but introduces an herbaceous brightness that perfectly offsets the dish’s richness. These garnishes also create a lovely contrast in texture and flavor that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it alongside rustic crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices, or pair it with fluffy white rice to create a more filling meal. Roasted potatoes or creamy polenta also make excellent companions, providing comforting textures that complement the sausage and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stuffing the cooked sausage and peppers into warm hoagie rolls for a sandwich that’s sure to delight. You can also toss the skillet mixture with pasta for a quick and hearty dinner or add it over a bed of creamy polenta to make it feel a bit more elegant. However you serve it, this dish always shines as a colorful, inviting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Make sure it is cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to preserve the texture of the peppers and sausage without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use different sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional for its smoky, spicy profile, you can swap in Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a milder bratwurst depending on your taste preference. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage you choose does not contain gluten. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have bell peppers?
You can substitute other colorful veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes to keep the dish vibrant and flavorful. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetable.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative or hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or tofu. Season well to maintain the dish’s robust flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The sausage adds a moderate level of heat, but you can control the spice by adding or omitting the red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, simply skip the flakes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about the simplicity and warmth of this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s a dish that’s not only quick and easy to prepare but packed with layers of delicious flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this skillet meal is a guaranteed winner. Make sure to give it a try soon—you just might find your new weeknight favorite.
Print
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe featuring spicy andouille sausage cooked with vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, onions, and garlic, seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner served straight from the skillet or alongside bread or rice.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds (between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thickness)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the thinly sliced andouille sausage to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step develops flavor and a slight crispness. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced yellow onion. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender yet vibrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine sausage and finish cooking: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Adjust seasonings and garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using, then garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers hot straight from the skillet as a main dish or alongside crusty bread or rice.
Notes
- Andouille sausage adds a smoky, spicy flavor, but you can substitute with Italian sausage if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit entirely for a milder dish.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on serving needs.
