Basil Sausage Pepper Skillet

Featured in: Simple One-Pan Citrus Meals

This vibrant skillet features tender sausage browned perfectly and combined with sweet red and yellow bell peppers. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst while fragrant fresh basil is stirred in at the end, creating a fresh, herbaceous lift. The dish cooks in one pan for simplicity and flavor harmony, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Optional additions include Parmesan cheese and sides like rice or pasta to tailor the meal to your liking.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:34:00 GMT
Sizzling Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper, with colorful peppers and fragrant basil atop. Save on Pinterest
Sizzling Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper, with colorful peppers and fragrant basil atop. | lemoncairn.com

A vibrant, quick one-pan meal featuring juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a burst of fresh basil for a flavor-packed weeknight dinner.

This skillet supper quickly became a family favorite on busy weeknights thanks to its ease and bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • Italian sausages: 500 g (1 lb), sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Red bell pepper: 1 large, sliced into strips
  • Yellow bell pepper: 1 large, sliced into strips
  • Red onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves: 1 packed cup, torn
  • Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, for serving (optional)
  • Cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread: for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4:
Stir in minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften.
Step 5:
Return sausage to the skillet. Add dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and cook for 5 more minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
Step 6:
Remove from heat. Stir in torn basil leaves just before serving.
Step 7:
Serve hot, topped with Parmesan if desired, alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Golden-brown sausage pieces with tender peppers and fresh basil in this skillet supper. Save on Pinterest
Golden-brown sausage pieces with tender peppers and fresh basil in this skillet supper. | lemoncairn.com

This meal is perfect for family dinners that bring everyone to the table with smiles and full plates.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Dietary Notes

Gluten-free if using gluten-free sausage and no bread or pasta; always check sausage labels for allergens.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Flavorful Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper: a one-pan meal with a vibrant finish. Save on Pinterest
Flavorful Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper: a one-pan meal with a vibrant finish. | lemoncairn.com

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe as a hassle-free weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, mild or spicy, is recommended for its robust flavor that pairs well with bell peppers and basil.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini or mushrooms can be added during sautéing to increase veggie content and texture.

Is this meal gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and avoid bread or pasta sides.

How should I cook the sausage properly?

Slice the sausage into 1-inch pieces and brown them over medium-high heat until cooked through and caramelized.

When is basil added for best flavor?

Torn fresh basil leaves are stirred in just before serving to preserve their aroma and bright flavor.

Basil Sausage Pepper Skillet

Quick skillet meal with savory sausage, sweet peppers, and fresh basil for a satisfying dinner.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Time
35 min


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American/Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details No Gluten

What You Need

Proteins

01 1 lb Italian sausages, sliced into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
03 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
04 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried oregano
02 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Optional Extras

01 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
02 Cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread, for serving

How to Make It

Step 01

Heat oil: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Brown sausage: Add sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, cook red and yellow bell peppers and red onion for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 04

Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and cherry tomatoes; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tomatoes soften.

Step 05

Combine sausage and seasonings: Return sausage to skillet, add oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Toss and cook for 5 minutes until flavors meld.

Step 06

Finish with basil: Remove skillet from heat, stir in torn basil leaves just before serving.

Step 07

Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains pork if using pork sausages
  • Contains dairy if Parmesan cheese is added
  • Gluten-free when gluten-free sausage and no gluten-containing sides are used; verify sausage ingredients

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 21 g