Pin it 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 has become our go-to for busy nights when we want something hearty yet fresh with minimal cleanup.
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
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, for serving (optional)
- Rice, pasta, or crusty bread: for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook sausage:
- Add sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic and tomatoes:
- Stir in minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften.
- Combine and season:
- 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.
- Finish with basil:
- Remove from heat. Stir in torn basil leaves just before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve hot topped with Parmesan if desired alongside rice pasta or crusty bread.
Pin it Our family gathers around the table excited to dig in especially when the fresh basil aroma fills the kitchen.
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio and can be served over rice pasta or with crusty bread.
Pin it
This dish balances quick preparation with fresh vibrant flavors making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, substituting chicken sausage will create a lighter version while keeping the overall flavors balanced and satisfying.
- → What kind of basil is best for this dish?
Fresh sweet basil leaves are recommended as they provide a fragrant, bright note that complements the peppers and sausage perfectly.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?
Sauté the peppers and onions just until they start to soften but still retain some crispness, about 5 minutes, to keep texture in the skillet.
- → Can I make this meal dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese topping to keep the dish free of dairy while maintaining rich flavors from the herbs and sausage.
- → What side dishes pair well with this skillet?
Serve with steamed rice, cooked pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices and round out the meal.