Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers: A Quick Weeknight Delight

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If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, skillet Italian sausage and peppers is a perfect choice. This one-pan dish combines juicy sausage with colorful bell peppers and savory onions, delivering a mix of flavors in every bite. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend lunch.

You’ll love how simple it is to cook. Just brown the sausages, sauté the veggies until tender, and mix everything together with some herbs and seasoning. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy with your family.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious skillet Italian sausage and peppers dish:

Ingredients:

1. Italian Sausage

   • You can use either sweet or spicy sausage.
   • Substitute: Chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

2. Bell Peppers

   • A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers works best.
   • Substitute: Poblano peppers for a bit of heat.

3. Onion

   • Yellow or white onions are ideal.
   • Substitute: Red onions for a slightly different flavor.

4. Olive Oil

   • Essential for sautéing.
   • Substitute: Canola oil or vegetable oil.

5. Garlic

   • Adds a rich flavor.
   • Substitute: Garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.

6. Italian Seasoning

   • A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.
   • Substitute: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and basil yourself.

7. Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce

   • Diced tomatoes and plain tomato sauce.
   • Substitute: Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.

8. Salt and Pepper

   • Use to taste.
   • No direct substitutes for these.

Optional Ingredients:

• Butter

  • Adds richness.
  • Substitute: Margarine or omit for a lighter dish.

• White Wine

  • Adds depth.
  • Substitute: Chicken broth or omit entirely.

This combination of ingredients ensures a flavorful and satisfying meal. Prepping everything before you start cooking will make the process smoother. Remember, don’t be afraid to substitute based on what’s in your pantry!

Instructions

1. 
   

   Heat a Skillet: Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cook Sausages: Add the Italian sausages. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.

   
   
3. 
   

   Remove Sausages: Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.

   
   
4. 
   

   Sauté Veggies: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they are tender.

   
   
5. 
   

   Combine Ingredients: Put the sausages back into the skillet.

   
   
6. 
   

   Season and Simmer: Add Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cook Cover: Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cook Uncovered: Remove the cover and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and the sauce to thicken.

   
   
9. 
   

   Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread or over your favorite pasta.

   
   

Feel free to adjust spices to your taste. Enjoy your meal!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

To get the most flavor out of your skillet Italian sausage and peppers, use fresh ingredients. Fresh bell peppers and onions will give your dish a vibrant taste.

Saute your vegetables with a bit of olive oil until they are tender but still have a slight bite. This keeps them from becoming too soft.

Pre-cook the sausage slightly before adding it to the vegetables. This ensures they get cooked evenly and reach a nice brown color. Slicing them into smaller pieces will help them cook faster and absorb more flavors.

For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking. It pairs well with the sausage and peppers, giving them a richer taste.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sausage tough.

When serving, you might want to pair this dish with pasta or a fresh loaf of bread. The sauces from the dish can be soaked up, enhancing your meal.

Keep spices simple; Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper usually do the trick. Don’t forget to taste and adjust as you go!

If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, cook the sausage and vegetables, then store them separately. Combine and heat them together right before serving. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of each ingredient.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapenos. This gives a bit of kick to your skillet dish.

Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan over the top. Let it melt for a cheesy finish.

Tomato Twist: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Boost the Veggies: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. This adds more nutrition and variety.

Make it Saucy: Pour in marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes. This creates a richer, saucier dish.

Herb it Up: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme can be added at the end.

Serve Suggestions:

• With Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta, such as penne or spaghetti.
• On a Sub: Stuff the sausage and peppers into a crusty sub roll for a hearty sandwich.
• With Rice: Serve alongside some fluffy white or brown rice.
• On Polenta: Spoon over creamy polenta for a delicious combo.
• Pizza Topping: Use as a topping for homemade pizza.

Enjoy experimenting with these variations and serving ideas to find your perfect combination.