Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Italian Sausage: This dish shines with Italian sausage, adding great flavor. I often mix mild with spicy for a balanced taste. If you’re vegetarian, try plant-based sausage or use mushrooms for a hearty texture.

Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow gives a lovely color combo. If you have only one color, that’s fine too! You could also use other veggies like zucchini or even apples for a different twist.

Onion: A medium onion is perfect for this dish. Yellow onions work well, but you can substitute with red or sweet onions if that’s what you have on hand.

Spices: Dried oregano and basil enhance the Italian flavors. Fresh herbs are great too! If you’re out of these, Italian seasoning can be a quick fix.

How Can I Ensure the Sausage is Cooked Perfectly?

Cooking the sausage just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it:

• Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sausage links.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them to brown all sides. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (70°C) when done.
• Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep them juicy!

Following these tips will give you perfectly cooked sausage, ready to add great flavor to your skillet!

Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and full of flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the Italian sausage links. Cook them, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. When done, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside for later.

2. Sauté the Veggies:

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften and become fragrant.

3. Add Garlic and Spices:

Now it’s time to elevate the flavor! Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until it smells wonderful.

4. Combine and Simmer:

Slice the cooked sausages into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Add them back to the skillet with the veggies. If you’re using tomatoes, stir in the diced tomatoes at this stage. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

5. Season and Serve:

Before serving, season your skillet dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely finishing touch. Serve this delicious skillet hot over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up all those tasty juices!

Enjoy every flavorful bite of your Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet!

FAQ for Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet

Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Italian sausage for other types like chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for raw sausages.

What Can I Use Instead of Bell Peppers?

If you don’t have bell peppers on hand, you can substitute them with other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to get creative!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the skillet or microwave until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the sausage and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just sauté everything together to heat it up. It’s a great meal prep option!