This Italian Sausage Vegetable Skillet is a hearty, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner! Made with juicy Italian sausages, bell peppers, tomatoes, and fragrant spices, this dish can be served on its own, in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice and pasta. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 5 or 6 Italian sausages
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup (125ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon crushed chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 scallion, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh chopped basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the Sausages:
- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides (not fully cooked yet).
- Add ¼ cup water if needed to prevent burning.
- Transfer sausages to a cutting board and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, remove excess water but keep the browned bits for flavor.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil, then sauté onions, crushed fennel seeds, crushed chili flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in garlic and crushed tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and diced tomatoes, cooking until crisp-tender.
- Pour in broth and cook for another minute or so.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Dish:
- Slice the sausages into ¼ or ½-inch pieces.
- Add back to the skillet and cook for 5-10 minutes, until sausages are fully cooked and sauce thickens.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh basil, scallions, and parmesan (optional).
- Serve hot on hoagie buns, in tacos, or over rice, pasta, or bulgur.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Fiber: ~3g
This savory, veggie-packed sausage skillet is simple, delicious, and perfect for a quick dinner! 🥘✨
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Vegetable Skillet
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup easy.
- Packed with Flavor: Italian seasonings, garlic, and fennel seeds create an authentic, restaurant-style taste.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, in tacos, sandwiches, or on its own.
- Healthy & Satisfying: With protein-rich sausages and fiber-packed vegetables, this dish is filling without being heavy.
What Makes This Skillet Dish So Delicious?
This flavor-packed Italian sausage skillet is all about balancing the richness of the sausages with the brightness of fresh vegetables and herbs.
1. The Juicy Italian Sausages
- Italian sausages bring deep, robust flavors to the dish. Whether you prefer mild, spicy, or sweet varieties, they all work beautifully.
- Searing the sausages first locks in moisture and creates a crispy, golden exterior that enhances the dish’s overall texture.
- The sausage juices left in the pan infuse the vegetables with extra depth and richness.
2. The Flavorful Vegetable Base
- Bell peppers add a natural sweetness and crunchy texture that balances the saltiness of the sausage.
- Red onions bring mild sharpness, while garlic enhances the overall savoriness of the dish.
- Fresh tomatoes and crushed tomatoes create a rich and slightly tangy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
3. The Perfect Blend of Seasonings
- Italian seasoning (a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) brings bold herbaceous notes.
- Fennel seeds (crushed) add a subtle anise flavor, which is a signature spice in Italian sausage dishes.
- Crushed red chili flakes provide a gentle heat, but you can adjust the spice level to taste.
- Fresh basil and scallions (for garnish) add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, rich flavors.
How to Make the Best Italian Sausage Vegetable Skillet
This one-pan meal is incredibly easy to prepare, but a few key steps ensure it turns out flavorful and perfectly cooked.
1. Brown the Sausages First for the Best Texture
- Searing the sausages before slicing creates a caramelized crust, which enhances the flavor.
- If the sausages start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze and loosen up the browned bits.
- Don’t fully cook the sausages in this step—they will finish cooking in the sauce later.
2. Use Fresh, High-Quality Tomatoes for the Sauce
- Fresh ripe tomatoes give the sauce a natural sweetness and bright flavor.
- Using a mix of fresh diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes creates a slightly chunky yet smooth texture.
- If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent substitute.
3. Let the Vegetables Soften but Keep Some Crunch
- Bell peppers should be slightly tender but not mushy—this keeps the dish vibrant and texturally interesting.
- Sautéing onions and garlic first allows them to develop their natural sweetness before adding the other ingredients.
4. Simmer the Dish to Develop Deep Flavors
- Adding a bit of broth helps create a rich, well-balanced sauce that clings to the sausage and veggies.
- Simmering for 5-10 minutes allows the flavors to blend together while ensuring the sausages cook through.
Delicious Ways to Serve Italian Sausage Vegetable Skillet
This versatile dish can be served in many different ways depending on your preference and dietary needs.
1. Classic Pairings
- Over Pasta: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- With Rice: Serve it over steamed white, brown, or cauliflower rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: Enjoy it with toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette to scoop up the rich, juicy sauce.
2. Low-Carb & Healthy Options
- Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash: A great low-carb alternative that still pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mix into hollowed-out bell peppers, then bake until tender.
- Over a Bed of Greens: Serve it over a spinach or arugula salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
3. Fun and Creative Ideas
- Sausage and Pepper Tacos: Fill soft corn or flour tortillas with the sausage mixture and top with cheese and salsa.
- Hoagie Sandwiches: Load the sausage and peppers onto toasted hoagie rolls for an Italian-style sub.
- Omelet or Frittata Filling: Chop the sausage and vegetables smaller, then mix them into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the mixture cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Why This Italian Sausage Skillet Is a Must-Try
- A quick and easy one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes.
- Loaded with bold, authentic Italian flavors.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
- Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Versatile and can be served in multiple ways.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, No-Fuss Dinner for Any Occasion
This Italian Sausage Vegetable Skillet is a true crowd-pleaser, offering bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and a hearty, home-cooked feel. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, in sandwiches, or tacos, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this one-pan meal is simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. Try it today, and enjoy an easy yet flavorful Italian-inspired dinner at home! 🥘✨