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Keto Italian Sausage and Peppers - A Cozy, Low-Carb Skillet Favorite

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Italian sausage links: 1 to 1.5 pounds; choose sweet or hot. Look for no added sugar and clean ingredients.
  • Bell peppers: 3 large (any color mix; red, yellow, and orange bring sweetness, green adds bite).
  • Yellow or sweet onion: 1 large.
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2–3 tablespoons.
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon (optional, adds richness with minimal carbs).
  • Chicken broth: 1/3 cup (low-sodium, no sugar).
  • Red wine vinegar: 1–2 teaspoons (or lemon juice for brightness).
  • Italian seasoning: 1–2 teaspoons.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Pinch to 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for heat).
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish (optional).

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce: Slice the peppers into 1/2-inch strips. Halve and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic. Keep them ready near the stove.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage links and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove to a plate. They won’t be fully cooked yet—no worries.
  3. Sauté the onions and peppers: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the onions and a pinch of salt, cooking 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the peppers and cook another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp with some char.
  4. Build flavor: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the vegetables to the edges of the pan.
  5. Make a quick pan sauce: Add the tomato paste to the center of the skillet and cook it for 30 seconds to 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and vinegar, scraping up browned bits. Stir everything together.
  6. Finish cooking the sausage: Slice the browned sausages into 1-inch pieces and nestle them into the peppers and onions. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 6–8 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
  7. Taste and adjust: Season with salt and black pepper. If you want more brightness, add another splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley. Serve as is, or plate it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.