If you ever find yourself craving a meal that is bursting with flavor, colorful, and comes together with minimal fuss, this One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of hearty sausage, tender baby potatoes, and crisp bell peppers all cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your food. Every bite is a warm hug of smoky, savory goodness mixed with the fresh, bright crunch of veggies. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners for busy weeknights or anytime you want something satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is half the fun with this recipe, and I love how simple yet essential each item is. These fresh components not only shape the dish’s incredible flavors and textures but also create a feast for the eyes with their vibrant colors.
- 1 lb sausage links (Italian or smoked): Choose your favorite flavor to define the dish’s smoky, savory base.
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced, any color): Adds a sweet crunch and gorgeous pops of red, yellow, or green.
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced): Offers a tender, slightly earthy texture that balances the richness of sausage.
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved): They soak up all the wonderful juices and become deliciously soft inside.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps everything crisp up beautifully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 tsp paprika: Delivers a mild smoky heat and stunning deep red color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that round out all the vibrant tastes perfectly.
How to Make One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
The secret to an effortlessly delicious meal is prepping first. Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Slice your sausage links into thick rounds to ensure they stay juicy and develop a nice golden crust when cooked.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Get your large skillet warmed up over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Wait until it shimmers gently. This is the perfect temperature to start searing your sausage so those flavors really come alive.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Place your sausage slices into the hot oil and cook them for 5-7 minutes until they achieve that beautiful golden brown color. Browning seals in the juices and adds a wonderful caramelized flavor that’ll layer nicely with the veggies.
Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers and Zucchini
Once the sausage looks irresistible, toss in the bell peppers and zucchini. Stir occasionally for 3-4 minutes so they soften slightly but still keep a bit of bite, which adds fantastic texture contrast.
Step 5: Mix in the Potatoes and Seasonings
Add the halved baby potatoes along with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute all those lovely spices evenly among the veggies and sausage.
Step 6: Simmer Covered until Tender
Cover your skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook gently for about 15 minutes. This slow steam softens the potatoes perfectly while allowing the flavors to meld into one unforgettable dish.
How to Serve One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your skillet experience, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving. A little squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing that brightens the smoky richness, and a dash of red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat for those who like it spicy.
Side Dishes
If you want to pair it with something extra, a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread makes a perfect side. The bread is especially great to soak up any savory juices left in the pan, ensuring nothing delicious goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet recipe straight from the pan at the table for that cozy, rustic vibe everyone loves. Or, plate it beautifully with a sprinkle of cheese on top like shredded mozzarella or sharp Parmesan for a cheesy twist that melts perfectly over the warm food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure everything is cooled completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze portions, allow the dish to cool fully and place in a freezer-safe container. It freezes nicely for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat to prevent veggies from becoming mushy, or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal. Adding a splash of olive oil or a little water while reheating helps keep everything moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian or smoked sausage for chorizo, bratwurst, or even chicken sausage. Each will add its own unique flavor twist to your skillet.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
You can easily adapt this dish by substituting sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, green beans, or carrots work wonderfully and add even more color and flavor to the skillet.
How do I ensure the potatoes cook through?
Halving the baby potatoes ensures they cook evenly within the 15-minute covered simmer. You can poke them with a fork to check tenderness before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage. Always double-check your sausage labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe is a true winner when it comes to fuss-free, flavorful meals that feel homemade and comforting. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who craves an easy, vibrant dinner packed with hearty sausage and fresh veggies. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will brighten up your weeknights with ease and deliciousness!
Print
One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet is a quick and flavorful meal combining savory Italian or smoked sausage with a colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and tender baby potatoes. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and packed with vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 lb sausage links (Italian or smoked)
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced, any color)
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced)
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved)
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Slice sausage links into thick rounds to ensure even cooking and good caramelization.
- Heat skillet and olive oil: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it is shimmering, signaling it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Cook sausages: Add the sliced sausages to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, which develops flavor and texture.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini: Toss in the bell peppers and zucchini; stir occasionally and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some bite and freshness.
- Add potatoes and seasonings: Add the halved baby potatoes along with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly with the spices.
- Simmer to finish cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and become tender while absorbing flavors from the sausage and vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference, adding chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- If baby potatoes are not available, use small red or fingerling potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces.
- Covering the skillet is essential to cook the potatoes evenly and prevent drying out the dish.
- You can add fresh herbs like parsley or basil after cooking for added freshness.
