Name: Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish; Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, comforting, and downright delicious dinner, this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the smoky sausage mingles with those sweet, tender bell peppers and onions—it’s such a satisfying combo that comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re new to cooking or a home chef looking for an easy meal, you’ll find that this skillet recipe hits all the right notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Fast: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.
Flavor Packed: The combination of sausage spices and sweet peppers makes every bite exciting.
Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite sausages or veggies for a personalized twist.
Minimal Cleanup: Just one skillet needed, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your food.

The image shows a close-up of cooked sausage slices mixed with sautéed bell pepper strips and onion slices. The sausage pieces are round, browned with a slightly crispy edge, and deep reddish-brown in color. Bright strips of yellow and red bell peppers are scattered evenly around the dish, mixed with slightly translucent cooked onion slices that have a light golden tint. Small green pieces of chopped herbs and green onion slices are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color contrast and texture. The ingredients appear glossy from cooking oil, and some black pepper flakes are visible. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage and Pepper Skillet, Sausage and Pepper Skillet recipe, quick sausage and pepper dinner, easy sausage skillet, smoky sausage peppers meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role here—olive oil brings richness, andouille sausage delivers that bold smoky flavor, while the peppers and onion add sweetness and freshness. I always aim for colorful bell peppers because they brighten up the dish visually and taste-wise.

Flat lay of a small pile of thinly sliced andouille sausage rounds with a rich reddish-brown color, a single fresh red bell pepper cut into long thin strips, a yellow bell pepper sliced similarly, a small yellow onion sliced into thin strips, four whole garlic cloves with their natural white papery skins, a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley, a single green onion with white bulb and vibrant green stalks sliced diagonally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed black and white coarse ground pepper, and a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red crushed pepper flakes, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Sausage and Pepper Skillet, Sausage and Pepper Skillet recipe, quick sausage and pepper dinner, easy sausage skillet, smoky sausage peppers meal

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor, and don’t skip dividing it—helps prevent sticking and adds aroma.
Andouille sausage: I love using andouille for its spicy, smoky kick, but feel free to swap for your favorite variety.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Their sweetness balances the heat from the sausage perfectly.
Small yellow onion: Adds a mild savory base without overpowering the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: My secret blend that brings those classic herb notes to the mix.
Garlic: Fresh is a must—minced or pressed for that punch of aroma and taste.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you want an extra little kick, toss them in at the end.
Green onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
Fresh parsley or basil: I prefer parsley for brightness, but basil is a lovely twist if you want something a bit sweeter.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes work for you, so don’t hesitate to switch things up. Over time, I discovered a few tweaks that keep this Sausage and Pepper Skillet feeling fresh and exciting every time I make it.

Veggie Swaps: If peppers aren’t your favorite, try broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms—they cook up beautifully in the skillet and soak up the sausage flavor.
Protein Alternatives: I’ve used turkey kielbasa for a lighter take, and sometimes chicken sausage when I want something milder but still tasty.
Spice Level: For an extra fiery skillet, double the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce at the end—my family goes crazy for that punch.
Serving Style: You can serve it over rice, pasta, or even stuff it into a crusty roll for a hearty sandwich twist.

How to Make Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Sausages to Perfection

Start with heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add your sliced andouille sausage rounds. I like to keep them thin—between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch thick—so they brown beautifully without drying out. Cook them until they’re golden all over, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the browning adds a ton of flavor. Once done, scoop them out and set aside—don’t forget to leave the flavorful oil in the pan!

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in your thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers and the sliced yellow onion. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning for that herby aroma. Cook, stirring often, for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are tender yet still a bit crisp. This balance is key—overcooked peppers lose their charm, and no one wants mushy onions here.

Step 3: Flavor It Up with Garlic and Seasonings

Add the minced garlic to the skillet, giving everything a good stir to coat those veggies in that garlicky goodness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown—that can get bitter fast.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the browned sausages to the skillet and let them mingle with the peppers and onions over the heat for about 1 more minute—just enough to warm through and marry all the flavors without overcooking. Give everything a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling some red pepper flakes if you want heat, then top it off with sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley or basil. I love how the fresh herbs brighten up the skillet visually and flavor-wise.

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Pro Tips for Making Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving the sausage plenty of space helps it brown rather than steam, which brings out way better flavor.
Slice Sausage Evenly: I learned the hard way that uneven slices cook inconsistently—aim for uniform thickness for even cooking.
Use High Heat for Veggies: Cooking peppers and onions on medium-high keeps them crisp-tender instead of soggy.
Add Garlic Last: Garlic burns quickly, so always add it toward the end of cooking for the best flavor without bitterness.

How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always use freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—these little touches lift the dish both in flavor and appearance. Sometimes I swap parsley for basil if I’m craving a hint of sweetness. And if you like spice, don’t skip those red pepper flakes sprinkled right before serving.

Side Dishes

This skillet is versatile enough to stand on its own, but I love serving it over fluffy white rice or creamy polenta to soak up all those delicious juices. For a lighter meal, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted potatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I sometimes serve this sausage and pepper mixture in hollowed-out bell peppers or pile it into warm pita breads for a fun, hand-held option. It also works as a flavorful topping for toasted baguette slices if you want to go the appetizer route.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making the leftovers tastier the next day.

Freezing

Freezing works well for this recipe—just cool completely, pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat to revive the crispness of the peppers without making them mushy. You can also microwave, but cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage in this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage brings a nice smoky spice, you can easily swap it with Italian, chorizo, kielbasa, or even chicken or turkey sausages depending on your taste or dietary preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you choose sausages without any gluten-containing fillers—always check the label to be sure.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can slice your sausage and vegetables ahead and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. It makes the final cooking process even faster.
What can I serve this skillet dish with?

It’s fantastic over rice, pasta, or creamy polenta. For lighter fare, a simple green salad or roasted potatoes complement it well.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?

The spice level depends on the sausage you choose and if you add red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust heat by selecting milder sausage or skipping the flakes, or crank it up by doubling them or adding hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so forgiving, delicious, and quick—everything you want on a busy day. I hope you enjoy the same satisfaction I do when a meal comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try and make it your own—you might just find it becoming a family favorite too!