Sausage and Peppers Pesto Pasta Skillet

Sausage and Peppers Pesto Pasta Skillet is the kind of dinner that brings together bold Italian-inspired flavors in one easy pan. Juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, tender onions, and pasta are tossed in a creamy, herby pesto sauce for a satisfying meal that feels comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The pesto adds a bright combination of basil, garlic, cheese, and olive oil, while the browned sausage brings savory richness. Colorful peppers provide sweetness and a little freshness, making every bite balanced and flavorful. Best of all, most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, which means less cleanup after dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Skillet

This recipe is especially useful for busy weeknights because the ingredients are simple and the preparation is straightforward. Browning the sausage first creates flavorful bits in the skillet, which then become part of the sauce. The peppers and onions are cooked in the same pan so they absorb that savory flavor.

The pesto is added toward the end rather than cooked for a long time. This helps preserve its fresh basil and garlic flavor and gives the finished pasta its signature aroma.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
• 12 ounces penne, rigatoni, or another short pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup prepared basil pesto
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, plus more if needed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Extra Parmesan, for serving

Step-by-Step Method

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help loosen the pesto and create a smoother sauce later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid rinsing it because the natural starch on the surface helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

2. Brown the Sausage

Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.

Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked through.

If the sausage releases a large amount of fat, carefully drain some of it, leaving enough in the skillet to cook the vegetables.

3. Add the Onions and Peppers

Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet.

Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender while still retaining a little texture.

Season with a small amount of black pepper and Italian seasoning. If you enjoy some heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.

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