Description
A quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring browned Italian sausage and caramelized bell peppers and onions cooked in a single skillet. This meal is kid-approved, budget-friendly, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 3 medium bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into half-moons
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings or half-rings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Slice peppers and onions, mince garlic, and prick sausages with a fork.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown sausages for 4-5 minutes per side until crust forms. Remove sausages and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add peppers and onions to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers soften slightly.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Return sausages to the skillet. Add 1/4 cup water to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sausages reach 160°F.
- Remove lid. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with fresh basil. Toss gently and let sit for 1-2 minutes off heat.
- Slice sausages if desired and serve immediately, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Pricking the sausages prevents them from bursting. Use the fond (brown bits) in the pan to add flavor to the vegetables. If the sauce is watery, remove the lid and simmer on high heat to evaporate excess liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage and 1/2 cu
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Italian sausage, one pan meal, weeknight dinner, easy recipes, sausage and peppers, family friendly, gluten-free option