Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet

Name: Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 sweet italian sausage links; 4 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; ⅔ cup chicken broth; ½ large green bell pepper, sliced; ½ large red bell pepper, sliced; ½ yellow onion, sliced thin; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

By:

jeremy

Published:

May 22, 2026

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Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet is a delightful dish that seamlessly combines savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tender cabbage, creating a colorful, comforting meal all in one skillet. The robust flavors of the Italian sausage infuse the dish, while the fresh vegetables add a satisfying crunch and heartiness. This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, delivering that soulful comfort only Italian cuisine can achieve.

I still remember the first time I made this Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet. It was one of those hectic evenings when everyone in the family was ravenously hungry. I wanted something quick and flavorful, yet easy on the wallet. And wow, did it deliver! The harmony of flavors and textures was a hit, and it’s become a go-to favorite in our home. If you’ve been on the lookout for an easy, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious dish, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, dinner is on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet Italian sausage, sautéed onions, and garlic creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright bell peppers and vibrant cabbage make this dish visually stunning and wholesome.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up those flavors!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets or to include more veggies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 sweet Italian sausage links: These links impart a rich, savory flavor. If you prefer a spicy kick, opt for hot Italian sausage.
4 cups green cabbage, shredded: Shredded cabbage adds bulk and texture. You can substitute with Napa cabbage for a milder taste.
1 cup crushed tomatoes: This provides a juicy base, all while complementing the hearty sausage. You could use diced tomatoes if you want a chunkier texture.
⅔ cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds depth to the dish. Vegetable broth works just as well if you prefer a vegetarian option.
½ large green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a nice bite and sweetness. Feel free to swap out for yellow or orange for different flavors!
½ large red bell pepper, sliced: Offers vibrant color and sweetness, enriching both the dish’s looks and taste.
½ yellow onion, sliced thin: Enhances the savory flavor profile. You can use a red onion for a sweeter touch.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a delightful aromatic punch. If you’re in a pinch, minced garlic from a jar is a good alternative.
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Fresh herbs brighten the whole dish. Dried basil will do if fresh isn’t available, just use less.
1 tablespoon olive oil: To cook the sausage and vegetables. Feel free to use canola or avocado oil as substitutes.
1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and flavor. For a dairy-free option, simply use an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor. Adjust according to taste preference.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: For seasoning and a subtle kick.

How to Make Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it warm up for a minute.
Cook the Sausage: Add the 5 sweet Italian sausage links to the skillet. Fry them for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned but not fully cooked through.
Set Aside: Once browned, carefully remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in ½ large sliced green bell pepper, ½ large sliced red bell pepper, ½ thinly sliced yellow onion, and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for about 3–5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Add Garlic: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ⅔ cup chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom to incorporate those delicious flavors.
Mix in Tomatoes and Cabbage: Add in 1 cup of crushed tomatoes, 4 cups of shredded cabbage, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Stir to combine and sprinkle with the remaining salt.
Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes or until the cabbage has softened.
Finish Cooking the Sausage: Return the sausage to the skillet and cover to simmer until fully cooked through, about another 5 minutes.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to save longer, freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes until heated through. The cabbage may lose some crunch in the fridge, but reinvigorate the flavors by serving it with fresh herbs!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan! It’s essential for scraping up flavor from the sautéed bits stuck to the bottom.
For perfectly cooked sausage, consider cooking it longer before adding it back in.
Make a plant-based version by using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Leftover cabbage? Toss in grated carrots or any other veggies you have on hand to bulk up this dish!

Though this Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet is delicious as is, feel free to experiment and add your favorite spices, like crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or herbs de Provence for a different twist. The comforting flavors and textures make this dish a crowd-pleaser any day of the week!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything a few hours ahead of time and just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the sausage and veggies separate until you’re ready to cook.

What can I serve with Italian Sausage and Peppers Cabbage Skillet?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or even pasta if you want to make it heartier. A simple side salad also complements the meal beautifully.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms, to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

How can I make this recipe low-carb?

You can easily make this dish low-carb by making a few substitutions. Instead of sausage, consider using chicken or turkey sausage, and you can even skip the tomatoes for a lower-carb option while keeping the cabbage as your base.