There's something so comforting about skillet meals that come together quickly but pack a punch of flavor. This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that smells incredible while cooking and never disappoints at the table—perfect for a family meal or casual dinner with friends.

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 absolutely love this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe because it brings bold flavors with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something cozy, savory, and just downright satisfying on busy nights.

Simplicity: You only need one skillet for the whole meal, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your food.
Color and Flavor: The mix of vibrant bell peppers, savory sausage, and tangy tomato sauce creates a feast for the senses.
Versatility: It’s great served over pasta, rice, polenta, or even stuffed into a bun for a delicious sandwich.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice with red pepper flakes and sausage type, so it’s perfect for all taste preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances hearty Italian sausage with sweet, tender peppers and onions, enhanced by a rich tomato base. Each ingredient contributes a layer of flavor that makes this skillet meal truly shine. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need and why:

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: The star protein—choose mild or spicy depending on your heat tolerance. The fat renders to flavor the peppers and sauce.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and keeps everything from sticking.
Bell peppers: Using two colors adds visual appeal and a natural sweetness that balances the sausage’s savory richness.
Yellow onion: Adds depth and sweetness when caramelized lightly.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
Minced garlic: Gives that aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes: The adjustable kick that brightens the flavor; add more or less to suit your palate.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps make the sauce saucy without overpowering.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings a subtle tang and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Roma tomato: Freshness and texture contrast to the cooked-down sauce.
Fresh basil and dried oregano: Classic Italian herbs that lift the whole dish with their fragrance.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, umami finish that ties all the flavors together.

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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’ve had fun tweaking this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative—it's forgiving and always tasty.

Variation: One time, I swapped out Italian sausage for chicken sausage, and it was equally delicious but lighter. You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
Spice level: When serving to kids, I dial down the red pepper flakes and use mild sausage, but for grown-up dinners, a pinch more heat really wakes things up.
Herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary if basil's not handy—you’ll get a nice herbal twist.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage Just Right

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your sausage links. I like to let them sizzle and brown on all sides—it usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this part; those beautiful brown bits add so much flavor. Once browned, transfer the sausages to a plate but keep all that tasty rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions

With the sausage set aside, add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch—that fresh texture is the best part here.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add tomato paste, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Cook for just about 1 minute—this helps the tomato paste caramelize slightly and the garlic become fragrant without burning. Then stir in chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, followed by sliced roma tomato, fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Nestle the browned sausages back into the pepper mixture. Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sausages to cook through—160°F internal temp is ideal. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth as needed.

Step 5: Slice, Toss with Parmesan, and Serve

Remove the sausages and let them rest briefly—this keeps them juicy. Keep the pepper mixture warm in the pan with the lid on. Slice the sausages, return them to the skillet, sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese, then toss everything together. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Top Tip

From my experience with this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe, getting the browning right and layering flavors gradually makes all the difference. Here are some tips I’ve learned the hard way that help you nail this dish every time.

Browning Sausage: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning sausages; this helps achieve that perfect crust instead of steaming them.
Balsamic Vinegar Balance: Add the balsamic vinegar slowly at first and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Timing Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so add it right before tomato paste and cook it just briefly to keep flavors clean.
Simmer Covered: Covering the skillet during the simmer locks in moisture, making the sausages tender and juicy rather than dry.

How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Sausage and Pepper Skillet - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley—it adds a fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness. A little Parmesan grated over the top is non-negotiable for me, as it melts into the warm sauce adding nutty depth.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or a side of fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Sometimes, I keep it simple and serve alongside rustic crusty bread for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I’ve stuffed the sausage and peppers into crusty hoagie buns for a hearty sandwich everyone loves. Another time, I served it over a bed of cheesy risotto for a cozy dinner party, garnishing with additional fresh herbs for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sausages maintain their juiciness, and the pepper sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld even more.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, so on busy weeks I make a double batch then freeze half. Just cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It’s a lifesaver for quick meals later on.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce feels thick. This method keeps the sausage moist and the peppers tender without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?

You can, but fresh raw Italian sausage browns and simmers with the peppers much better, releasing flavors into the sauce. If using pre-cooked sausage, add it later in the process just to heat through and avoid overcooking.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you'll keep that rich, satisfying feel while keeping it vegetarian.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the sausage you use and the amount of red pepper flakes. Using mild sausage and a small pinch makes it gentle, while spicy sausage and extra flakes add a nice kick. Adjust to your liking!

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftovers are fantastic served over warm pasta or spooned onto toasted hoagie rolls for a quick sandwich. You can also scramble some eggs with the mix for a flavorful breakfast twist.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, packed with flavor, and wonderfully flexible. I love how it brings everyone to the table with its inviting aroma and vibrant colors. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your go-to weeknight wonders just like it did for me.