One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet! This one-pan wonder is packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want a satisfying and nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is incredibly simple and comes together in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win! This recipe is made entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative to pork sausage, and the colorful peppers add vitamins and fiber.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy the savory flavors of this dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:

* **1 pound Turkey Sausage:** Look for your favorite variety – sweet Italian, hot Italian, or even a breakfast sausage will work. Make sure it’s removed from the casings.
* **1 large Onion:** Yellow or white onion, chopped.
* **2 Bell Peppers:** Choose a variety of colors (red, yellow, orange, green) for a visually appealing and flavorful dish. Cored and sliced.
* **2 cloves Garlic:** Minced.
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes:** Undrained.
* **1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning:** Adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes:** (Optional) For a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** For cooking.
* **Fresh Parsley:** (Optional) For garnish.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** (Optional) For serving.
* **Crusty Bread or Rolls:** (Optional) For serving.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Chop the onion and slice the bell peppers. Mince the garlic. If using fresh parsley, chop it as well. Remove the turkey sausage from its casings, if necessary.

**Step 2: Brown the Turkey Sausage**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

**Step 4: Combine and Simmer**

* Return the cooked turkey sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Season and Serve**

* Taste the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it Up:** If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add Some Greens:** Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
* **Make it Cheesy:** Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the skillet during the last minute of cooking and let it melt.
* **Add Potatoes:** For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the skillet along with the onions and peppers. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
* **Use Different Sausage:** While this recipe calls for turkey sausage, you can easily substitute it with pork sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage.
* **Make it a Pasta Dish:** Serve the sausage and pepper mixture over cooked pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Slice and sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor.
* **Use Fresh Tomatoes:** If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use them instead of canned diced tomatoes. Just chop them and add them to the skillet.
* **Make it a Sheet Pan Meal:** For an even easier cleanup, you can cook this recipe on a sheet pan. Toss the sausage, peppers, and onions with olive oil and seasonings, then spread them out on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
* **Add a splash of wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage and before adding the vegetables for extra depth of flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **With Crusty Bread or Rolls:** Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
* **Over Pasta:** A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **In Sandwiches or Subs:** A great way to use up leftovers.
* **With Rice or Quinoa:** A healthy and satisfying option.
* **As a Topping for Polenta:** A creamy and comforting dish.
* **In Stuffed Peppers:** A fun and flavorful twist.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe can be easily made ahead of time. Simply prepare the skillet as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium heat until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?**

A: Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage with pork sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**

A: Yes, simply substitute the turkey sausage with a vegetarian sausage alternative.

**Q: How long will leftovers last?**

A: Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Conclusion

This Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet is a winner! It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes!

## Recipe Card

**Turkey Sausage and Pepper Skillet**

A quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Turkey Sausage, removed from casings
* 1 large Onion, chopped
* 2 Bell Peppers (various colors), cored and sliced
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
* ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Olive Oil
* Fresh Parsley (optional), for garnish
* Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional), for serving
* Crusty Bread or Rolls (optional), for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Return the cooked turkey sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Taste the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.

**Notes:**

* Spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
* Add some greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
* Make it cheesy by sprinkling shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the skillet.