If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both comforting and packs a little punch, you’re going to absolutely love this Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe. I love how it’s so straightforward, yet bursting with smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors that just come together perfectly in one pan. Whether you’re just coming home after a busy day or need a fuss-free dinner that impresses, this skillet is a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: Spicy sausage paired with sweet peppers creates the ultimate tasty combo.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one skillet.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe works in harmony to bring layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend using good-quality sausage and fresh bell peppers — they really make a difference in the final dish’s taste and vibrancy.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin if you can—it adds a nice fruity depth to the dish.
- Andouille Sausage: This sausage is my go-to because it’s spicy and smoky, but feel free to use kielbasa or chorizo.
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: The sweetness balances out the heat from the sausage perfectly.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- Italian Seasoning: A warm blend of herbs that enhances the veggies’ flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that rich savory kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but necessary to bring everything together.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): To turn up the heat if you like it extra spicy.
- Green Onion and Fresh Herbs: Garnishes that add freshness and color.
Variations
I’ve played around with this spicy sausage and pepper skillet recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to make it your own! Whether you want it milder or heartier, tweaking the ingredients can be super satisfying.
- Change Up the Sausage: I sometimes swap andouille for turkey kielbasa to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Other Veggies: When I had mushrooms and zucchini on hand, adding them made the skillet even more colorful and nutrient-packed.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but watch your sausage brand to be sure.
- Serve Over Rice or Noodles: If you want a more filling meal, try spooning the sausage and peppers over your favorite grain.
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage Just Right
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add your sliced sausage rounds in a single layer. I like to keep the slices thin — about ⅛ to ¼-inch thick — so they crisp up nicely but stay juicy inside. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until they develop a nice golden-brown color on all sides. This step builds the base flavor for your dish, so don’t rush it! Once browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to your skillet. Toss in the red and yellow bell pepper strips and the sliced yellow onion. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the veggies, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for crisp-tender peppers here — soft enough to bring out their sweetness but still with a bit of a bite. This step adds a sweet and aromatic layer that pairs perfectly with the spicy sausage.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Season
Now stir in the minced garlic, and season the skillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Garlic cooks quickly, so give it about 1 minute until fragrant. This little step always reminds me just how much a tiny amount of garlic can elevate a dish from good to irresistible.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet, stirring everything together. Let it cook for another minute to warm the sausage back up and let those flavors mingle. Give it a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Then, it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I learned that crowding the sausage prevents it from browning properly, so cook in batches if needed.
- Slice Sausage Thin: Thinner slices crisp better and warm quickly without drying out.
- Use Fresh Garlic: I once tried garlic powder here, and fresh always wins for the richest flavor.
- Add Peppers Last if Using Frozen: Frozen peppers can release too much water, so add them later or cook off excess liquid if you use frozen ones.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the skillet with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh parsley or basil—those fresh herbs brighten up the dish just beautifully. If you’re a heat lover like me, go ahead and add those red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick and some color contrast.
Side Dishes
My family and I love this served simply with warm crusty bread to soak up all the tasty juices. But if you want something heartier, it’s fantastic over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles. Roasted potatoes or a vibrant green salad round out the meal perfectly, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like to serve this Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe straight from the pan on a large wooden board surrounded by bowls of different garnishes and sides—makes for a cozy, communal vibe. Another fun twist is stuffing it all into hoagie rolls for spicy sausage sandwiches that are always a hit at casual parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. I keep mine for up to 3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
If I want to stash some for longer, I freeze the cooked sausage and pepper mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing works great when you want a ready-made dinner in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or dries out. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. The stovetop reheating really helps keep the peppers tender and the sausage juicy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, just swap the sausage for a plant-based spicy sausage or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant to replicate some of that meaty texture and flavor.
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What sausages work best for this recipe?
I love andouille for its spice and smokiness, but kielbasa, bratwurst, or chorizo also work wonderfully. You can also choose turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option while still keeping good flavor.
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Can I prepare this ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! This skillet is great for meal prep since you can store portions in the fridge and reheat easily during the week. Just be sure to keep it airtight and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.
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Is it possible to cook this recipe on the grill?
Definitely! Using a grill pan or griddle over your grill lets you replicate the skillet method and infuses a smoky flavor. Just be careful to avoid pieces slipping through the grill grates.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s quick, flavorful, and so satisfying every time I make it. I love that you can customize it endlessly while still getting that unbeatable combination of spicy, sweet, and savory. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that your whole family will go crazy for. So grab your skillet and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe featuring spicy andouille sausage sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, enhanced with Italian seasoning and garlic for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds (⅛-inch to ¼-inch thickness)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 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
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté peppers and onions: Increase heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and yellow onion strips. Season with Italian seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and season: Stir in the minced garlic and season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine sausage with vegetables: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the pepper and onion mixture. Cook together for 1 minute until heated through, allowing flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with red pepper flakes (if using), sliced green onions, and freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers skillet hot as-is or over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain.
Notes
- On the Grill: This recipe is also excellent when prepared on a grill using a topper, griddle, or slotted skillet to add a smoky flavor and prevent food from falling through the grates.
- Introduce Other Veggies: Substitute or add vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, squash, or mushrooms to customize the dish.
- Change Up the Protein: Try chicken, turkey, or beef sausages, or even chunks of steak, chicken breast, or ham for different flavor profiles.
- Sausage Types: Use any link sausage like kielbasa, bratwurst, Italian sausage, chorizo, or andouille for varying spice and flavor. Turkey kielbasa is a lighter alternative.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be enjoyed on its own or served over rice, noodles, or pasta for a more filling meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
