If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dish that comes together in just about half an hour, this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of smoky andouille sausage, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic garlic creates a harmony of flavors that’s both simple and sensational. Every bite offers a perfect blend of textures and colors, making it a feast for the senses as well as a quick weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe a standout meal. Each component plays an essential role: the sausage delivers smoky richness, the peppers add sweetness and crunch, and the garlic and seasonings bring the dish to life with layers of flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): The base for sautéing that helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies beautifully without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- Andouille sausage (12 to 14 ounces, thinly sliced): Smoky and slightly spicy, it’s the star protein with a wonderful snap and flavor.
- Red bell pepper (1, thin strips): Adds vibrant color and a sweet, juicy crunch that balances the sausage’s spice.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, thin strips): A mild sweetness and sunny hue that brightens the skillet and lifts the dish visually.
- Yellow onion (1 small, thin strips): Offers a gentle sharpness and soft texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings in a fragrant mix of herbs that ties the flavors together seamlessly.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced or pressed): Infuses the dish with a savory depth and irresistible aroma as it cooks.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who want an extra kick of heat to elevate their skillet.
- Green onion (sliced, for garnish): Adds a fresh, mildly sharp crunch that lightens every bite.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (for garnish): Provides a burst of herbal brightness and vibrant color on top.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced andouille sausage. Cook it until each piece is beautifully browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning these slices not only intensifies their smoky flavor but also adds a slightly crisp texture that’s absolutely addictive. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet. Toss in the red and yellow bell pepper strips along with the sliced onion. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over them. Cook everything for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften just enough to be tender-crisp, preserving their vibrant color and slight crunch. This step builds the flavor foundation and keeps the dish light and fresh.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Let the garlic cook for about a minute to release its unmistakable aroma and meld all the flavors together. This quick addition of garlic brightens the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 4: Return Sausage to the Skillet
Now it’s time to reunite all the components. Add the browned sausage slices back into the pan with the sautéed peppers and onions. Give everything a good mix and cook together for an additional minute so the sausage heats through and combines harmoniously with the vegetables. Your Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is almost ready!
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give your skillet a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. To finish, sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but also bring a lovely fresh contrast to the warm, hearty skillet.
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like sliced green onions and fresh herbs is more than just decoration; they introduce a wonderful freshness and texture contrast to the smoky, rich flavors. Fresh parsley or basil gives a delicate herbal note that lifts the entire dish and feels like a little celebration on every plate.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands well on its own for a low-carb meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides if you want to round it out. Serving it over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles lets you soak up all those tasty juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe stuffed inside warm hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich. You can also scoop it onto toasted baguette slices for a rustic appetizer twist or spoon it over a bed of roasted potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavors and texture. Just make sure to cool it before sealing the container.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save some for later. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It’s best eaten within 2 months for maximum freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your skillet, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the sausage and vegetables. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While andouille adds a smoky, spicy kick, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a milder breakfast sausage depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, and it will still be delicious and satisfying. Just adjust seasonings to bring out those smoky notes.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sausage provides a moderate spice level, especially if you use andouille. You can control the heat by adding or skipping the optional red pepper flakes and selecting sausage with your preferred spice level.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that you have on hand to replicate similar flavors.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a crowd?
Definitely. Prepare the sausage and peppers a few hours ahead and keep warm. It even tastes better as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s quick, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile, making it a perfect go-to recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
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 hearty and flavorful Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe combines spicy andouille sausage with colorful bell peppers and onions sautéed to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal served on its own or over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Garnishes
- 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
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. Season with Italian seasoning and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
- Return sausage to skillet: Add the browned sausage slices back to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook together for 1 minute, just until the sausage is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with red pepper flakes (if using), sliced green onions, and fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers skillet as-is for a low-carb meal or over rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- Use andouille sausage for a spicy, smoky flavor but feel free to substitute with other smoked sausages if preferred.
- Adjust the thickness of sausage slices to your liking; thinner slices cook faster and get crispier.
- For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
