Something about that sizzle and pop of sausage cooking alongside sweet peppers always gets me excited in the kitchen. This Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is one of those go-to dishes I keep coming back to—it’s simple, cozy, and packs a flavorful punch that feels like an instant celebration of Italian comfort food.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get over how quickly this skillet comes together and the incredible layers of flavor it delivers with just a handful of ingredients. Making the Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe feels like a little kitchen victory every time.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup—always a win in my book.
Bold, Balanced Flavors: The spicy kick from the sausage and red pepper flakes pairs beautifully with the sweetness of bell peppers and a hint of tang from balsamic vinegar.
Super Versatile: Serve it over pasta, stuff it in hoagie buns, or simply enjoy alongside potatoes or rice for different meal vibes.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that feels like home on a plate—perfect for weeknights or weekend family dinners.

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

This Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe uses ingredients that bring boldness and balance to the table—spicy sausage adds depth and heat, while peppers and onion add sweetness and freshness. The tomato paste and broth create a rich sauce that gently braises everything together.

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: You can go mild or spicy—either way, the fat and seasoning create the foundation for all the other flavors.
Olive oil: Just a touch for sauteing, helping everything brown nicely without sticking.
Bell peppers: Using a mix of red and yellow or green keeps the dish colorful and adds sweetness and crunch.
Yellow onion: Adds savory depth and caramelizes beautifully with the peppers.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that pairs perfectly with sausage and veggies.
Red pepper flakes: This is where your spicy heat kicks in—add more or less depending on your preference.
Chicken broth: Keeps things juicy and helps deglaze the skillet for that delicious pan sauce.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of sausage.
Roma tomato: Fresh tomato adds brightness and a touch of juiciness to the skillet.
Fresh basil: Adds herbaceous notes and freshness at the end of cooking.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle of salty, nutty cheese brings everything together delightfully.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about this Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to adjust to whatever mood strikes. I often swap out bell peppers for whatever I have on hand or jazz up the spicy level depending on the day.

Variation: Sometimes I swap Italian sausage for chorizo or turkey sausage to try different flavor profiles, and it never disappoints.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
Mild Version: Use sweet Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer something gentler but still flavorful.
Seasonal Twist: In winter, I add a splash of red wine to the sauce for warmth and complexity.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Build Flavor

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your Italian sausage links whole and let them brown evenly on all sides, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this — that caramelization is key to a rich flavor in the final dish. Once done, transfer the sausages to a plate but keep all the rendered fat in the pan—it’s gold for the next step!

Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some bite. This quick cook helps keep their bright, sweet flavor while soaking up those sausage drippings.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about a minute so the tomato paste can deepen in flavor and the garlic gets fragrant. This step is where those layers of taste really start to come alive.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, then add the fresh roma tomato slices, chopped basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Give everything a good stir before nestling the browned sausages back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the sausages are fully cooked through (160°F internal temperature) and the peppers are tender. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Toss with Parmesan

Remove the sausages and let them rest for 5 minutes tented with foil—this keeps them juicy when you slice them. Keep the pepper mixture warm on low with the lid on. When sausages have rested, slice them and return to the skillet. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine all the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Top Tip

After making this Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe a dozen times, I realized a few small tricks make a big difference in the finished dish. These tips will keep your meal flavorful, juicy, and perfectly balanced every time.

Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to properly brown the sausages adds a deep, complex flavor you won’t get otherwise.
Save the Rendered Fat: Use the leftover fat from cooking sausages to sauté your peppers and onions—it’s packed with flavor and helps everything blend beautifully.
Adjust Spice to Taste: I always start with less red pepper flakes and add more toward the end if I want a bigger kick—easier to add heat than take it away!
Rest the Sausage: Letting sausages rest before slicing keeps them moist and juicy instead of drying out.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

spicy sausage and peppers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing with fresh chopped basil because it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal lift. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra parmesan or chopped flat-leaf parsley too for freshness and visual appeal. If you want a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or even garlic bread to soak up all those tasty pan juices. On busy nights, I’ve even served it over spaghetti or tossed with sautéed greens for a fast, filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I love serving the sausage and peppers stuffed into toasted hoagie rolls topped with melted provolone or mozzarella for a sandwich twist that always impresses guests. For a dinner party, plating the sliced sausage atop a bed of creamy risotto with peppers scattered around creates a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers (which doesn’t last long!), I store the sausage and pepper mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and sometimes tastes even better after the flavors have married overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. Just cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking or drying out. If it looks a bit thick, a splash of chicken broth or water brings it right back to life without losing any flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought sausage or does it have to be fresh?

You can absolutely use store-bought sausage links as long as they have good quality and flavor. Fresh Italian sausage links are ideal because they release delicious fat and seasoning as they cook, but precooked or frozen sausage can work in a pinch—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe?

The heat level really depends on the type of sausage you choose and how many red pepper flakes you add. The recipe uses red pepper flakes for an added kick, but you can reduce or omit them if you want a milder dish. Using spicy Italian sausage will also increase the heat, so choose based on your spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the label on your sausage and chicken broth to make sure they don’t contain any gluten additives. Serve it over polenta, rice, or gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free meal.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil or parsley works as a substitute, though fresh herbs add more brightness. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh oregano or even a pinch of Italian seasoning to keep that herb-forward flavor alive.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that brings a burst of Italian flavors in under an hour. I love how it feels both rustic and special, perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you make it a few times, it’ll become a staple you turn to again and again—something I’m excited for you to enjoy as much as I do!