If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and colorful ingredients, this Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Imagine tender baby potatoes perfectly crisped on the outside, mingling with spicy or mild Italian sausage slices, vibrant bell peppers, and the fragrant punch of garlic and Italian herbs—all cooked together in one skillet for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and create a wonderful texture contrast, all while keeping the preparation straightforward and approachable. From the smokiness of paprika to the sweetness of colorful bell peppers, everything works together beautifully.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced into rounds): Adds rich, savory meatiness with either a gentle warmth or a spicy kick.
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered): The soft, creamy centers balance perfectly with their golden, crispy edges.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings a sweet, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds brightness and a mild sweetness that complements the sausage.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Provides a savory depth and natural sweetness when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that lifts all the other flavors beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for crisping potatoes and sautéing the sausage and veggies with a lovely, rich finish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings aromatic herbs into every bite.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that enhances the sausage and potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Perfect for those who love a little extra spice.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning essentials to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, herbal finish that adds a bright visual contrast and flavor lift.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven or Heat the Skillet
If you choose the oven method for those perfectly roasted potatoes, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Otherwise, plan to heat your skillet over medium heat for the stovetop version. This choice influences your cooking style but not the delicious outcome.
Step 2: Slice the Italian Sausage
Slice the Italian sausage into rounds that are about half an inch thick. This size allows them to cook evenly and brown nicely without drying out.
Step 3: Prep the Baby Potatoes
Cut your baby potatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size. The goal is to have bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and get crispy edges.
Step 4: Slice Bell Peppers and Onion; Mince Garlic
Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips and the onion into thin slices. Mince the garlic finely so it will infuse the dish with its delicious aroma in just seconds.
Step 5: Toss Potatoes with Seasoning and Olive Oil
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are nicely coated for maximum flavor and crispness.
Step 6: Cook the Potatoes
For stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned potatoes. Cook them for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and fork-tender. Remove the potatoes and set them aside once ready.
For oven: Spread the potatoes on a lined baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are crispy and browned.
Step 7: Brown the Sausage in the Skillet
Using the same skillet, cook the sliced sausage for 5 to 7 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. This step builds that savory, lightly crisped texture that makes the sausage the star of this Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe.
Step 8: Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned sausage. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and their sweetness comes to life.
Step 9: Add Garlic and Optional Red Pepper Flakes
Stir in the minced garlic and, if you desire a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Cook for just 30 seconds to release their fragrant flavors without burning the garlic.
Step 10: Combine Potatoes with Sausage and Vegetables
Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly and heat through.
Step 11: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh, lively touch that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice here, adding not only a vibrant green color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the smoky sausage and earthy potatoes beautifully. For a touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche works wonders.
Side Dishes
Despite being a complete meal in itself, this skillet pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale to balance the hearty flavors and add some freshness. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread rounds out the meal, perfect for mopping up any savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic presentation that impresses at the table. Alternatively, turn leftovers into a hearty breakfast by topping them with fried eggs or mixing everything into scrambled eggs for an easy sausage and potato hash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting, making leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To preserve the texture of the potatoes and sausage, cool the dish completely before freezing and avoid freezing with fresh herbs—add those fresh after thawing instead.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to crisp the potatoes back up, stirring occasionally for even warming. You can also use a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes covered with foil to keep everything moist while reheating thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage adds an extra kick and pairs wonderfully with the sweet bell peppers and smoky paprika. Just adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your heat tolerance.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Season generously and proceed with the same steps for a delicious meat-free option.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can prep all the vegetables and slice the sausage in advance, then cook everything fresh when ready. Alternatively, cook the full dish and reheat as needed—the flavors only get better.
What type of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes are ideal because of their tender texture and size, but you can also use fingerlings or Yukon Golds cut into uniform pieces for similar results.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Certainly! Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions and cook well alongside the existing ingredients. Just add them at the appropriate cooking stage to keep textures balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe quickly becomes a beloved staple because it combines simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor all in one comforting skillet. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles around the table and satisfy appetites with its delicious medley. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage and Potatoes recipe featuring tender baby potatoes roasted or pan-fried to perfection alongside savory Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers. This dish combines aromatic spices and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Sausage and Potatoes:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced into rounds)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven (Optional): If using the oven method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
- Slice Sausage: Cut the Italian sausage into rounds to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
- Prepare Potatoes: Halve or quarter the baby potatoes depending on their size to promote faster cooking and crispy edges.
- Slice Vegetables and Mince Garlic: Slice the red and yellow bell peppers and the small onion. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Toss Potatoes with Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook Potatoes (Stovetop Method): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned potatoes and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Potatoes (Oven Method): Alternatively, spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cook Sausage: In the same skillet used for the stovetop potatoes, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the sausage in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
- Combine Potatoes with Sausage and Vegetables: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and stir well to blend all flavors together.
- Final Cooking: Cook the combined ingredients for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and serve the dish hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Both stovetop and oven methods are provided for cooking potatoes; choose based on your preference or available equipment.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity for desired heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- To save time, the sausage and vegetables can be cooked simultaneously in two pans if desired.
- This recipe pairs well with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
