If you’re looking for a vibrant dish that brings together bold flavors and a colorful presentation, you are going to love this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of spicy andouille sausage with sweet bell peppers and onions, all cooked in one pan for a speedy but satisfying meal. This recipe bursts with texture and aroma, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s so versatile and easy to customize, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, fresh, and essential to capturing that mouthwatering balance of spicy, sweet, and savory that defines this dish. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage: The star of the dish with its smoky, spicy flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the vegetables.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the skillet.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Balances the pepper trio with its mellow, sweet profile and appealing golden hue.
- 1 small yellow onion: Brings a subtle sharpness and sweetness when cooked to tender perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic: Provides a fragrant depth, infusing the dish with a savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances every bite with earthy and aromatic notes.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds an extra kick for those who love a little heat.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten and balance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing, it brings a rich, silky mouthfeel and helps marry all the ingredients.
- 1 green onion: For a fresh, mild oniony garnish that adds a pop of green color.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil: Aromatic herbs that brighten and lift the entire dish with their fresh flavors.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil shimmering gently, just right for cooking the sausage without burning. This sets the stage to build those rich, caramelized flavors we love.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the thinly sliced andouille sausage to the skillet and let it cook, turning occasionally so every bit gets beautifully browned. This should take around 5 to 6 minutes and it’s the step that develops that deliciously smoky, crisp texture that’s central to this sausage and peppers skillet recipe. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the veggies. Cook everything for about 4 to 5 minutes until the peppers and onions are just tender but still have a bit of crunch and vivid color.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and keep cooking for another minute. This step is key for releasing that wonderful garlicky aroma that will infuse your entire dish without letting the garlic burn or turn bitter.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Finish Cooking
Return the sausage to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the vegetables. Let it cook together for an additional minute so all those wonderful flavors marry and everything warms through perfectly.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Garnish
Give your skillet a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences. If you love a hint of spice, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. Finally, garnish the dish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a fresh, herbaceous touch.
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of fresh green onions and herbs transforms the presentation and flavor, providing a pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the sausage. Don’t skip this step; the little garnishes make a big difference.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal stands out beautifully on its own but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up the flavorful juices, creamy mashed potatoes for comfort, or even a bed of fluffy rice to stretch the protein and veggies into a more filling feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress this up for guests, consider serving the sausage and peppers over polenta or tucked into toasted hoagie rolls for hearty sandwiches. You can also sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the dish while it’s hot for a melty, indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep deliciously for up to 3 days and is perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to preserve the texture of the peppers and sausage, or use the microwave for convenience. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage brings a spicy, smoky flavor perfect for this skillet recipe, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a milder smoked sausage depending on your taste preference.
Is it necessary to use both red and yellow bell peppers?
Not at all. Using both adds a lovely mix of sweetness and color, but you can use just one type of bell pepper or even throw in some green bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the andouille sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you still get a rich, flavorful dish.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends mostly on the sausage and whether you use red pepper flakes. Andouille sausage generally has some heat, but you can tone it down or ramp it up according to taste. Leaving out the pepper flakes keeps it milder.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover sausage and peppers are fantastic in wraps, on pizza, mixed into pasta, or served inside quesadillas. The flavors hold up well and make for quick, delicious second-day meals.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is such a vibrant, flavorful dish that is incredibly easy to make and a joy to eat. It brings comfort, color, and a little bit of spice right to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe box. Give it a try—you might just fall in love!
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: Italian-American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe featuring perfectly browned andouille sausage, crisp-tender bell peppers, and caramelized onions, all cooked together for a quick and satisfying one-pan meal that bursts with Italian seasoning and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds (between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thickness)
Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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 sliced andouille sausage to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. This 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 the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still 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, garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers hot straight from the skillet, perfect as a main dish or served alongside crusty bread or rice.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Andouille sausage can be substituted with smoked sausage or chorizo for flavor variation.
- If you prefer softer vegetables, cook the peppers and onions a few minutes longer until tender.
- Garlic can burn quickly; stir constantly once added to prevent bitterness.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
