Name: Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 Italian sausage links (20 oz.), mild or spicy; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 large bell peppers (one red, and one yellow or green), cored and sliced; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 1 large roma tomato, halved and sliced; 3 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, then more to taste; 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (grated with a rasp grater); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bubbling skillet filled with savory sausage and vibrant peppers. This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe brings together sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in one pan, making it a weeknight hero you’ll want on repeat.

A white pan filled with sliced brown sausage pieces mixed with long yellow and red pepper strips and softened white onion slices, all coated in a light brown sauce. Bright green basil leaves and chopped green herbs are scattered on top, adding fresh color. The pan rests on a dark green cloth on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the pan are three light brown small buns, and there is a wooden spoon placed beside the pan along with a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something fast but satisfying. The combination of juicy Italian sausages with caramelized onions and colorful bell peppers is pure comfort food that’s so easy to whip up.

One-Pan Wonder: This recipe comes together in just one skillet, saving you time on cleanup and effort in the kitchen.
Flavor-Packed: The blend of tomato paste, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the sausages and peppers.
Versatile Meal: Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or in hoagie buns, it adapts to whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting the red pepper flakes or choosing mild versus spicy sausage.

Seven small sandwiches are arranged on a white scalloped plate placed on a dark green cloth over a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a light golden brown bun, sliced open to hold layers of cooked sausage pieces with a browned, slightly crispy texture, bright red and yellow sautéed bell pepper strips, and translucent cooked onions. The filling is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A whole plain bun sits on the marbled surface near the plate, and a small white bowl with green herbs is partially visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe plays a part in building those bold, comforting flavors we crave. Here’s my quick rundown on what makes them shine together and a few shopping tips to make your life easier.

Flat lay of five Italian sausage links with natural casings, a small white bowl of olive oil, one red bell pepper sliced, one yellow bell pepper sliced, one large yellow onion sliced into rings, a small white bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of finely minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of dark balsamic vinegar, one large roma tomato halved and sliced, a small pile of freshly chopped basil leaves, a small white bowl with dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl containing finely shredded parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh basil arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausage links: Go for good-quality sausage — mild or spicy, depending on your mood — because it’s the star. I prefer a natural casing for that satisfying snap.
Olive oil: Using olive oil helps brown the sausage evenly and adds a slight fruity note to the dish.
Bell peppers: I love a mix of red and yellow for sweetness and color, but green works too. Fresh and firm peppers give you great texture.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed — don’t skimp on this for a balanced flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce and adds a subtle tang.
Minced garlic: Essential for the aromatic lift that complements the sausage and peppers.
Red pepper flakes: Adds just the right kick — I always start small and adjust to taste.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious without overpowering the other flavors, plus you can add more if you want it saucier.
Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash brightens everything with a sweet acidity that I find irresistible.
Roma tomato: Fresh tomato slices bring juiciness and freshness to the skillet.
Fresh basil, chopped: This is the secret herb that makes the dish sing — use plenty! Dried oregano adds a nice herbal background.
Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded to melt right into the peppers and sausage for an umami boost and creamy touch.
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Always garnish because it adds brightness and a pop of color to the final dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or how spicy I’m feeling. It really invites you to play around and make it yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap Italian sausages for chorizo or chicken sausage to change up the flavor profile — both work beautifully!
Vegetarian option: Use plant-based sausages and vegetable broth to keep a similar hearty texture and flavor.
Seasonal tweaks: In summer, I add more fresh tomatoes and a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — the smell is the first welcome signal! Add your Italian sausages and cook them turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. This locking in of flavor is key, so don’t rush it. Once they’re browned, move them to a plate but leave that luscious fat in the pan — it’s packed with flavor for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Return the skillet to medium heat and toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. You want to soften them just a touch, about 3 minutes, without losing their vibrant color or crunch. This step adds sweetness and texture to the dish, so keep stirring to avoid burning.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, letting them cook together for about a minute. The tomato paste will deepen in flavor and the garlic releases its aroma — your kitchen will smell amazing here! Next, pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, then add the sliced roma tomato, fresh basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good toss so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish Up

Nestle the browned sausages into the pepper mixture. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the sausages reach 160°F inside and the peppers are tender but not mushy. If the sauce feels too thick, I add a splash more chicken broth to keep it saucy and irresistible. Once done, transfer the sausages to a cutting board and tent them with foil to rest for 5 minutes — this keeps the juices locked in.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Slice the sausages and return them to the skillet with the pepper mixture. Sprinkle on that luscious shredded parmesan cheese and toss everything together while it's still warm, so the cheese melts into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve. I love it in toasted hoagie buns, but you can’t go wrong over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets that really take this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe to the next level. Here are my go-to tips so you get that perfect mix of flavor, texture, and aroma every time.

Brown Without Crowding: When browning sausages, give them enough space so they crisp instead of steam — this seals in juices and adds texture.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the sausages rest after cooking traps the juices inside and prevents dryness when you slice.
Balance Your Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes gradually; it’s easier to add more spice than tone it down.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil finishes the dish with a fragrant brightness that dried herbs just can’t match.

How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

sausage and peppers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always top mine with a generous handful of chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of parsley — it adds a fresh, green punch that brightens the rich flavors. Sometimes, I grate an extra dusting of parmesan on top for a little cheesy indulgence.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta — the perfect cozy bed for all those savory juices. Alternatively, buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even crusty bread work beautifully to soak up the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I’ve served this in hoagie buns topped with provolone cheese for a hearty sandwich. On special occasions, a colorful platter with roasted potatoes and a crisp side salad turns it into a festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sausage and Pepper Skillet stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cool it quickly before refrigerating to keep the peppers crisp and the sausage juicy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with great results — just pack it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture of the peppers softens a bit but the flavors remain deliciously intact.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I prefer reheating gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring occasionally avoids drying out the sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes! This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use spicy Italian sausage, sweet sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based alternatives, depending on your preferences.

What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?

You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. The broth adds flavor and moisture, but the other liquids will still help develop the sauce.

How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have one, make sure no pink remains inside when you slice into them.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the sausages ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, combine and reheat gently to serve fresh-tasting Sausage and Pepper Skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe has become one of those reliable dinners I turn to when I want something both simple and special. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day, with flavors that always satisfy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it yours — trust me, once you taste those juicy sausages nestled in that vibrant pepper sauce, you’ll be hooked!