Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet
This hearty and flavorful Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe combines spicy and sweet Italian sausages with a medley of vibrant bell peppers and onions, all simmered in a rich tomato and Chianti wine sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce, and enjoy a delightful meal that harkens back to traditional Italian cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
garlic
2 cloves (thinly sliced)
red onion
1 large (cut into 2 inch chunks)
red bell peppers
2 (cored, seeded, and cut into 2 inch chunks)
green bell peppers
2 (cored, seeded, and cut into 2 inch chunks)
hot Italian sausages
4 (none)
Italian sweet sausage
4 (none)
canned crushed Italian plum tomato
1 cup (none)
Chianti wine
1 1/2 cups (none)
dried oregano
1 pinch (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In two large skillets with lids, divide the extra virgin olive oil evenly. Heat the skillets over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Once the oil is hot, distribute the sliced garlic, red onion, and the various bell peppers between the skillets. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers soften slightly.
3
Next, add four sausages to each skillet, arranging them among the vegetables. Cook for around 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages start to brown on all sides.
4
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, Chianti wine, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt into each skillet. Stir everything gently to combine.
5
Cover the skillets with their lids and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
6
Once cooked, taste and season the dish with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
7
Serve hot, accompanied by slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet?
It is a traditional Italian-American dish featuring hot and sweet sausages, bell peppers, and onions simmered in a tomato and Chianti wine sauce.
What types of sausage are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of 4 hot Italian sausages and 4 sweet Italian sausages for a balanced flavor profile.
Can I use only one type of sausage?
Yes, you can use all sweet or all hot sausages depending on your personal heat preference.
What kind of wine is best for this dish?
A Chianti wine is recommended to add a rich, authentic Italian flavor to the sauce.
Can I substitute the Chianti wine?
If you do not have Chianti, any dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon will work well.
What can I use instead of wine for an alcohol-free version?
You can substitute the wine with beef or chicken broth, though the flavor profile will be slightly less acidic.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
The red and green bell peppers should be cored, seeded, and cut into 2-inch chunks.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be cut into large 2-inch chunks to match the size of the peppers.
How long do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the garlic, onion, and peppers for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and peppers soften.
Do I need to brown the sausages first?
Yes, you should brown the sausages in the skillet for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, before adding the liquids.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies canned crushed Italian plum tomatoes for the best texture and sauce consistency.
How long does the entire dish need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for approximately 25 minutes until the peppers are tender.
What is the best way to serve Sausage and Peppers?
It is best served hot with slices of crusty bread to soak up the savory tomato and wine sauce.
Can I make this in one skillet instead of two?
The recipe suggests two skillets to ensure even cooking, but you can use one very large deep skillet or a Dutch oven if preferred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but check your sausage labels to ensure no fillers contain gluten, and skip the bread or use a gluten-free alternative.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey Italian sausages can be substituted for a leaner version of the dish.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, divided between the two skillets.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, if using fresh oregano, use about three times the amount of dried oregano called for in the recipe.
What should the garlic preparation be?
The two cloves of garlic should be thinly sliced rather than minced for this skillet preparation.
Can I add other bell pepper colors?
Absolutely, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers in addition to or instead of red and green.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on using 8 sausages, this recipe typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on the appetite.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a prep and cook time totaling under 45 minutes, it is considered a quick and easy one-pan meal.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until the sausages are heated through.
Can I serve this over pasta?
Yes, while traditionally served with bread, it is also delicious served over rigatoni or penne pasta.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
The recipe suggests adding a pinch of salt during cooking and then seasoning to taste with salt and black pepper at the end.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the hot Italian sausages, but the sweet sausages and peppers help balance the heat.
Should I slice the sausages before cooking?
The recipe calls for cooking them whole, which keeps them juicy, though you can slice them after browning if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often meld and improve if made a few hours ahead or the day before and gently reheated.