Name: Sausage and Peppers 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; 3 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed; 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 large roma tomato, halved and sliced; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

There’s just something about the sizzle of sausage mingling with vibrant peppers that makes dinner feel like an event. This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is a perfect example—simple ingredients coming together for a comforting, colorful meal you'll want to make again and again.

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 Peppers Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—hearty, fragrant, and packed with flavor. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, which makes cleanup such a breeze.

Simple One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks right together, which means less fuss and more time to relax.
Versatile Flavors: You can make it mild or spicy depending on your mood or guests.
Fresh and Colorful: The mix of peppers, onions, and fresh basil adds such inviting colors and brightness.
Comfort Food, Elevated: With just a touch of balsamic and parmesan, it’s familiar but feels special.

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

Every ingredient here plays a part in creating the perfect harmony of flavors. Choosing quality sausages with the right seasoning gives you that rich base, while fresh bell peppers and onions bring a sweet crunch. The tomato paste and broth build a tasty sauce, and the final parmesan and basil? Pure magic.

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: I like to use a mix of spicy and mild to keep everyone happy—but feel free to pick whatever suits your taste.
Olive oil: For that luscious, slightly fruity base when browning the sausage and veggies.
Bell peppers: Red and yellow bring sweetness and vibrant color; green works too if you prefer.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with those peppers.
Tomato paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a lovely, rich body.
Minced garlic: Always a flavor booster—fresh is best here.
Red pepper flakes: Provides just enough heat; you can dial this up or down.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce juicy without overpowering the other flavors.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and balances the sweetness from the peppers and onions.
Roma tomato: Fresh tomato slices enhance texture and freshness in the sauce.
Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with herbal notes and aroma.
Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and classic Italian flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Shredded finely for a salty, nutty finish that binds everything together.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.

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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 thinking of this recipe as a jumping off point — you can easily customize it to fit what you have on hand or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about trying different sausage varieties or adding your favorite herbs.

Variation: I once swapped Italian sausage for spicy chorizo, and it gave the dish a smoky warmth that was unforgettable.
Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for seasoned plant-based sausages or smoky tofu cubes to satisfy veggie friends.
Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or even eggplant make excellent additions for more texture and depth.
Mild to Spicy: Adjust red pepper flakes and sausage types to tailor the heat perfectly.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add your sausages. I like to turn them regularly so they brown evenly all over, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives that beautiful caramelized crust that makes all the difference. Once browned, transfer the sausages to a plate but leave that flavorful fat in the pan—it’s pure gold for your peppers and onions.

Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions

In the same pan, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir them around in the sausage fat and olive oil—you’ll notice their sweetness starts to come alive. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften but still hold some crunch. This layer of flavor is so important for that classic sausage and peppers feel.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Mix in tomato paste, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Let them cook together for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning — this step deepens the sauce flavor. Then, pour in chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Toss in fresh tomato slices, basil, oregano, and season everything with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir so all those flavors start marrying.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Nestle the sausages back into the skillet with the pepper mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the sausage is cooked through (160°F internal temperature if you use a thermometer) and the peppers are tender. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in more chicken broth a little at a time to keep things saucy and delicious.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Finish

Transfer the sausages to a cutting board and tent them with foil to rest for 5 minutes—this keeps them juicy. Keep the pepper and sauce mixture warm on the stove. Then, slice the sausages and add them back to the skillet with parmesan cheese. Toss everything together so the cheese melts just enough, coating the sausage and peppers beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before digging in.

Top Tip

From years of making this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe, I’ve learned some key tricks that really make your dish shine and save you time in the kitchen.

Don’t rush the browning: Patience here means better flavor and texture in your sausage.
Use fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides a brighter aroma; avoid pre-minced jars for this dish.
Adjust heat gradually: Test the sauce as it simmers, adding red pepper flakes a pinch at a time—it's easier to add heat than take it away.
Rest sausage before slicing: Resting helps juice redistribute so your slices stay moist and tender.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Sausage and Peppers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a handful of finely shredded parmesan. The basil adds a herbaceous kick, while extra parmesan brings a salty richness that makes every bite pop. Sometimes I toss on chopped parsley for a fresh, peppery twist too.

Side Dishes

This skillet goes beautifully alongside a crusty loaf of Italian bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Or pair it with creamy polenta if you want something extra comforting. I’ve also served it over pasta or with simple roasted potatoes for a hearty meal the whole family loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve sausage and peppers in toasted hoagie buns for a fun sandwich twist—perfect for casual gatherings. Or pile it over cheesy polenta in shallow bowls and drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sausage and peppers, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep everything together in the skillet or transfer it to a shallow dish so it cools evenly and reheats well.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps keep the peppers tender and the sausage juicy without drying out. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a splash of broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground sausage instead of links for the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground sausage works just as well. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it up with your spoon, and proceed with the recipe as usual—just keep in mind it may cook faster, so watch for doneness.

What’s the best way to make this recipe spicy without overpowering it?

Start by adding red pepper flakes in small amounts—maybe ¼ teaspoon—then taste as it simmers. You can also switch to a hot Italian sausage or add a few dashes of hot sauce at the end. This lets you control the heat perfectly without losing the balance of flavors.

Can I make this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe in advance and reheat it?

Yes! This dish actually tastes great as leftovers. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container, then reheat on the stovetop or in the oven. I find the flavors deepen after sitting overnight, making it just as tasty the next day.

What should I serve with Sausage and Peppers to make a complete meal?

This recipe is wonderfully versatile—serve it over creamy polenta or pasta for a hearty meal. Crusty bread works perfectly for dipping into the sauce, or pair it with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for good reasons—it’s straightforward, packed with fresh flavors, and makes a meal that feels like you’ve treated yourself. I encourage you to try it your way and enjoy the satisfaction of a home-cooked dish that’s both comforting and lively. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll probably come up on your weekly dinner rotation—you’ll see.