Stovetop Italian Sausage and Peppers with Garlic Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy Italian sausage cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions, finished in a fragrant garlic butter sauce for a quick and flavorful dinner. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends Italian sausage links, large red bell pepper, large yellow bell pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 4 Italian sausage links into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium yellow onion. In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and melt over medium heat. Add minced 4 garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced peppers and onion to the skillet with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked sausage to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil over the dish. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Italian Sausage and Peppers with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stovetop Italian Sausage and Peppers with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Italian Sausage and Peppers with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stovetop Italian Sausage and Peppers with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stovetop Italian Sausage and Peppers with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Italian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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