Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together fast, you’re going to love my Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how the smoky and spicy andouille sausage pairs perfectly with sweet, tender peppers and onions, all cooked up in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll easily become one of your go-to dishes when you want something hearty but fuss-free.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe lies in the simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, pick peppers that are firm and vibrant for that natural sweetness, and don’t skip on good-quality sausage—it really makes a difference. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll want in your kitchen:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing everything nicely without sticking and adding that subtle fruity flavor.
• Andouille Sausage: I love andouille because of its rich, smoky, slightly spicy profile, but feel free to use your favorite sausage.
• Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color to brighten the dish.
• Yellow Onion: Offers a mild savory base that caramelizes just right.
• Italian Seasoning: Gives that herby, earthy warmth without overpowering.
• Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to bring all the components to life.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For that extra little kick if you like heat.
• Green Onion and Fresh Parsley or Basil: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and freshness at the end.

Variations

I love experimenting with my Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s so easy to tweak depending on what’s in season or what you have in the fridge. Don’t be shy about making this recipe truly your own!

• Add Other Veggies: I sometimes add mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition, and it works like a charm.
• Switch Up the Sausage: Turkey kielbasa or spicy chorizo are fantastic swaps if you want to try something different or lighter.
• Spice Level: If you like heat, adding extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne gives this dish a nice punch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Just make sure you pick sausages without any gluten fillers, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. When the oil is shimmering, add your thinly sliced andouille sausage rounds in a single layer. Cook until each side gets that beautiful golden-brown crust, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the depth of flavor you’ll notice in every bite. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space to brown well! Once browned, scoop the sausage out and set it aside—don’t skip resting it while you cook the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Crank the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the onions. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender but still have a nice bite—4 to 5 minutes usually does it. This part smells heavenly every single time! Keep an eye on them so they don’t get soggy; you want crisp-tender texture to contrast with the sausage.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Finish It Off

Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it cook for just about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt—trust me, burnt garlic is a sticky situation you want to avoid. Now, return the browned sausages to the skillet. Give everything a final stir and cook for an additional minute just to warm the sausage through nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning if you think it needs a little something extra.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once off the heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes if you like a bit more spice. Garnish with freshly sliced green onion and chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness that I find absolutely irresistible. Serve it straight from the skillet or scoop it over rice or pasta for an even heartier meal.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I love adding thinly sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. They add a fresh, vibrant kick that balances out the bold sausage flavors. If I’m feeling fancy, I throw on some shaved Parmesan too—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy when I serve this over creamy polenta or fluffy white rice to soak up all those juices. Sometimes, I just plate it with some crusty bread to mop everything up. Roasted potatoes or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette are also favorites here.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve layered warm naan or flatbreads with the sausage and pepper mix for an easy handheld meal. It’s also great as a filling for stuffed peppers or wrapped in pita with a dollop of tzatziki for a quick lunch. Getting creative with presentation makes this humble skillet feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps perfectly fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when it rests overnight, so leftovers taste amazing! Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating to avoid extra moisture buildup.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the leftovers, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, do so overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention. I’ve had great success freezing this dish for busy nights when I need dinner ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the sausage juicy and the peppers tender but not mushy. Sometimes I add a splash of water or broth to help steam it back to life. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the peppers softer than I like.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe, I was blown away by how such humble ingredients could come together into something so flavorful and satisfying. It quickly became a staple in my weeknight meal rotation because it’s both comforting and easy. I really hope you give it a whirl—you’ll enjoy how simple and delicious it is, and I bet your family or guests will be asking for seconds in no time. Let me know how yours turns out!

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