Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet meal for easy prep and cleanup.
- Packed with bold Italian flavors.
- Great served over pasta, rice, or on a sandwich roll.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or sausage type.
- Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
- Olive oil
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green; sliced)
- Yellow onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (optional for saucy version)
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage links and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add garlic and seasoning. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine and cook. Slice the browned sausage into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Add crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce if desired. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Finish and serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or in hoagie rolls.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy skillet: Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Low-carb option: Skip the sauce and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Add more veggies: Include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- White wine twist: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
FAQs
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Italian sausage—either mild or hot—works best, but you can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well, so you can make it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Should I remove the sausage casing?
If you prefer bite-sized crumbles, remove the casing before cooking. For larger pieces, keep the links intact.
Can I make this dish without tomatoes?
Yes, simply skip the tomato sauce for a lighter, sauté-style version.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s great with pasta, polenta, rice, mashed potatoes, or toasted rolls.
Can I use frozen peppers and onions?
Yes, but they may release more water—cook them a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based Italian sausage substitutes for a meatless version.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sausage is gluten-free. Always check the label.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes. After browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies, combine everything in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage, Onions, and Peppers Skillet is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that captures the essence of Italian home cooking. With caramelized onions, colorful peppers, and juicy sausage cooked to perfection, this simple skillet recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying. Serve it over pasta, in a sandwich roll, or on its own for a hearty and delicious meal any night of the week.
PrintItalian Sausage, Onions, and Peppers Skillet
Italian Sausage, Onions, and Peppers Skillet is a classic one-pan Italian-inspired dish combining juicy sausage links with sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for serving with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for an easy, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green; sliced)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage links and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Slice the browned sausage into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Add crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce if using. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot over pasta, rice, or in hoagie rolls.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey sausage.
- Skip the tomato sauce for a drier sautéed-style dish.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding tomatoes.
- The dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
