Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet for a Quick Dinner

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal filling the kitchen, is there? Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a recipe that brings all that warmth and ease right to your dinner table: a truly classic italian sausage and peppers skillet. It’s a dish where savory Italian sausage dances perfectly with sweet bell peppers and a rich tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both rustic and incredibly satisfying. Every bite transports me back to bustling family dinners, where simple ingredients shone brightest.

My love for delicious, straightforward meals began in my grandmother’s bustling kitchen, much like my journey with desserts. While her specialty was always a sweet treat, she taught me the invaluable lesson of building flavor from scratch, whether it was for a Sunday roast or a simple vegetable side. It’s that same philosophy that inspires every recipe I share, including this wonderful italian sausage and peppers dish.

This recipe is a true weeknight hero – it’s wonderfully easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, making it a guaranteed family favorite. Plus, with just a single skillet, cleanup is an absolute breeze! My top tip for this kind of cooking? Always taste and adjust as you go; that’s where the magic truly happens.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful skillet meal begins with a few humble ingredients that truly sing together. You’ll find the robust flavor of good quality italian sausage and peppers, softened onions and garlic, and a medley of vibrant bell peppers at its heart. These core elements, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, create an incredible depth that’s both hearty and surprisingly fresh. For the full list of ingredients and precise measurements, simply scroll down to the recipe card below.

How to Make italian sausage and peppers

Whipping up this delicious italian sausage and peppers dish is a straightforward affair, making it perfect for busy evenings. You’ll start by browning the savory sausage, building a beautiful foundation of flavor. Then, you’ll soften the aromatic vegetables before adding the vibrant bell peppers. Finally, a simple yet flavorful sauce comes together, simmering gently until all the ingredients meld into a harmonious and utterly delightful meal.

Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet

A timeless one-pan meal featuring juicy Italian sausages, sweet bell peppers, and tender onions simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sausage and Aromatics

• 1.5 lbs Italian Sausage hot or mild, casings pricked a few times
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
• 1 large Yellow Onion thinly sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced

For the Peppers and Sauce

• 2 large Bell Peppers any color (red, yellow, orange), seeded and sliced into strips
• 1 large Green Bell Pepper seeded and sliced into strips
• 1 28-oz can Crushed Tomatoes good quality
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a kick
• 1 tsp Sugar or a pinch, to balance acidity (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste

For Serving

• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
• Optional Crusty Bread or sub rolls, for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet (12-inch or larger, cast iron recommended)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tongs
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove sausages from the skillet and set aside on a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced yellow onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Peppers

1. Stir in the sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, and green). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly but still have a bit of crispness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Simmer the Dish

1. Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the peppers are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, sugar) if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, with crusty bread or on sub rolls for a classic sandwich.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of dry red wine (about 1/4 cup) after sautéing the onions and garlic, before adding the peppers. Let it simmer until almost evaporated.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Pro Tips for Making This italian sausage and peppers

Creating a truly memorable italian sausage and peppers skillet is all about those little touches that make a big difference. Here are some of my tried-and-true secrets to ensure your dish is nothing short of perfect.

When browning your Italian sausage, resist the urge to crowd the pan. Working in batches, if necessary, allows the sausage to truly crisp and develop that beautiful caramelized crust, which adds so much depth to the final dish. It’s a simple step, but one that truly elevates the flavor.

My Secret Trick: I always add a pinch of sugar to my crushed tomatoes when building the sauce. It doesn’t make the dish sweet, but rather balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, richer flavor profile that really brings out the best in the italian sausage and peppers.

Don’t rush the simmer! Allowing the sauce to gently bubble for at least 15-20 minutes after adding the peppers gives them time to tenderize beautifully and lets all those wonderful Italian flavors meld together. Patience truly is a virtue in the kitchen, especially for dishes like this.

Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire meal. It’s a small garnish that makes a big impact on both presentation and taste.

Fun Variations for italian sausage and peppers

One of the joys of cooking at home is making a recipe truly your own! This italian sausage and peppers skillet is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to play with flavors and ingredients.

Spice It Up or Tone It Down

If you love a little heat, consider using a hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, or increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce. For a milder touch, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely. My friend, Maria, always asks me to add a dash of her homemade chili oil at the end for an extra kick!

Veggie Delights

While bell peppers are classic, feel free to toss in other vegetables. Sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach wilted in at the very end can add extra nutrition and texture. Sometimes, I’ll throw in a handful of cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of simmering for a burst of fresh flavor in the italian sausage and peppers.

Cheese, Please!

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the top before serving adds a wonderful salty, umami kick that complements the rich flavors of the dish beautifully. For something extra gooey and delightful, you could even melt some fresh mozzarella over individual servings!

What to Serve With italian sausage and peppers

This hearty italian sausage and peppers skillet is truly a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can make it even more delightful and complete. Think of it as rounding out a cherished family gathering – simple, comforting, and utterly delicious.

I love serving this skillet meal with warm, crusty bread. There’s nothing quite like tearing off a piece and soaking up all that incredible, flavorful sauce – it’s just pure comfort! My mom always says it’s the best part, almost like a secret sauce mop.

For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. The crispness and acidity cut through the richness of the sausage and peppers beautifully. A quick side of steamed rice or creamy polenta also makes a wonderful pairing, providing a lovely base for the robust flavors of the italian sausage and peppers.

How to Store italian sausage and peppers

Ensuring your delicious italian sausage and peppers stay fresh for enjoyment later is super simple. It’s always so lovely to have leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner!

To store leftovers, allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer the italian sausage and peppers to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. My personal tip for reheating is to cover the pan during the first few minutes to help retain moisture, ensuring the sausage and peppers remain tender and flavorful, just like they were freshly made.

Nutritional Benefits

This delicious italian sausage and peppers dish offers more than just incredible flavor; it’s packed with goodness too! The bell peppers are a fantastic source of vitamins and antioxidants, while the lean Italian sausage provides a satisfying boost of protein. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of combining indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use frozen bell peppers for this italian sausage and peppers recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers! Add them directly to the skillet after the onions and garlic, and let them cook down until tender. The flavor of this italian sausage and peppers will still be wonderful.

Faq 2

What kind of Italian sausage is best for this dish?
I always recommend using good quality Italian sausage, either sweet or hot, depending on your preference. Both pork and chicken italian sausage and peppers varieties work beautifully in this recipe.

Faq 3

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This italian sausage and peppers dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Faq 4

How can I make this italian sausage and peppers recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or a mix of hearty mushrooms and cannellini beans. The italian sausage and peppers flavors will still be delicious!

Conclusion

Oh, dear friends, there’s truly nothing more heartwarming than gathering around a table filled with good food and even better company. This italian sausage and peppers skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create those cherished moments right in your own kitchen. It brings together the simple magic of wholesome ingredients with the deep, comforting flavors of home. So, I encourage you to roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and create this delightful italian sausage and peppers meal. With a little love and patience, you’ll discover that even the simplest ingredients can become truly magical, bringing smiles and sweet memories to everyone around your table. Happy cooking!