Basil-Boosted Sausage Pepper Skillet

Featured in: Warm Rustic Skillet Plates

This one-pan meal combines sliced Italian sausage with red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Sautéed together with garlic and seasoned oregano, it's finished off by folding in fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous note. Ready in just over half an hour, it's ideal for busy evenings, delivering comforting flavors that pair well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Optional Parmesan adds a creamy touch, while heat can be adjusted with red pepper flakes.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:12:00 GMT
Sizzling Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper, with colorful peppers and browned sausage ready to serve. Pin it
Sizzling Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper, with colorful peppers and browned sausage ready to serve. | plumcrescent.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 recipe became a favorite on busy weeknights when I needed something fast and delicious without a mess.

Ingredients

  • Italian sausages: 500 g (1 lb) mild or spicy, 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
  • Optional extras: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Optional extras: Cooked rice pasta or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

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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.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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| plumcrescent.com

My family gathers around this skillet often, enjoying the colorful medley with smiles all around.

Required Tools

Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Pork if using pork sausages Dairy if using Parmesan cheese Gluten-Free if using gluten-free sausage and no bread or pasta always check sausage labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

410 calories 30 g total fat 14 g carbohydrates 21 g protein per serving

One-pan Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper: a close-up of fragrant basil atop the flavorful dish. Pin it
One-pan Basil-Boosted Sausage and Pepper Skillet Supper: a close-up of fragrant basil atop the flavorful dish. | plumcrescent.com
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This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something fast tasty and satisfying.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, chicken or turkey sausage can be substituted for a leaner option without changing the dish's flavor profile much.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking boosts heat, but adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for this skillet?

Consider using plant-based sausage substitutes or increasing the amount of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

What sides complement this skillet meal?

Rice, pasta, or crusty bread are excellent accompaniments, helping to soak up the flavorful juices.

Can I prepare this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese to keep it free from dairy while maintaining rich flavors.

Basil-Boosted Sausage Pepper Skillet

A quick skillet dish featuring sausage, bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Avery Hayes


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American/Italian-Inspired

Total made 4 Portions

Dietary details No gluten

Ingredient list

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

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables 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 and season: Return sausage to the skillet. Add oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to combine and cook for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

Step 06

Finish with basil: Remove from heat and stir in torn fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Step 07

Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese and accompanied by cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy warnings

Review all ingredients for allergy risks and speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
  • Contains pork if using pork-based sausages and dairy if Parmesan cheese is added. Gluten-free if gluten-free sausage and no bread or pasta are used; always verify sausage ingredient labels.

Nutrition details (per portion)

These details are for reference and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Proteins: 21 grams