One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

If you love hearty, comforting meals that come together quickly and celebrate vibrant flavors, then this One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It perfectly balances juicy Italian sausage with sweet, colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices, all simmered in a lightly tangy tomato sauce. Whether you’re after a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish brings both ease and incredible taste to your table in one single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component works harmoniously to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make every bite an absolute delight.

• 1 lb Italian sausage links (mild or hot): The star protein that provides rich, savory flavor and juicy texture.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the sausage nicely and softens the vegetables while adding a fruity note.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a burst of bright red color to the dish.
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings mild sweetness and beautiful golden hues to the mix.
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers a slight bitterness and vibrant green color for visual contrast.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Provides natural sweetness and depth once caramelized.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature aroma and savory punch.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that elevates the flavor complexity.
• 1 tsp dried basil: Adds sweet herbal notes complementing the tomato base.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
• ½ cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce): Creates a rich, tangy sauce that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish: A bright, fresh finishing touch adding color and mild herbaceous flavor.

How to Make One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage links and brown them evenly on all sides, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in those juicy flavors and gives your sausage a beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside to rest while you prepare the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and the trio of bell peppers. Cooking them in the flavorful drippings left by the sausage means they’ll absorb all those savory bits for extra depth. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. This creates a tender yet slightly crisp texture that balances perfectly against the sausage.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let everything cook together for about 1 minute until fragrant. This brief cooking time unleashes those vibrant herb and garlic notes, giving the dish an unmistakable Italian soul.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, then sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any caramelized bits. Return the sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Cover the pan and reduce the heat slightly, letting it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the sausages are cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully.

How to Serve One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a stunning splash of green and a fresh herbal brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the sausages and the tangy tomato sauce. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a grating of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is gloriously versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it atop a bed of al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or steamed rice to soak up all those delicious juices. Alternatively, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is fantastic for dunking and makes the meal feel delightfully rustic and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, slice the cooked sausages and arrange them inside warm hoagie rolls for a satisfying sandwich. You could also serve the peppers and sausage over a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter variation that still delivers big on flavor. The colorful mix is sure to brighten up your plate no matter how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to marry overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to warm the sausage and peppers evenly without drying them out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture, ensuring the dish stays juicy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground sausage instead of sausage links?

Absolutely! Ground Italian sausage works just as well and cooks a bit faster. Just break it up in the pan and cook until browned before proceeding with the vegetables and sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe itself is gluten-free as long as you serve it without bread or pasta containing gluten. Always check the sausage label to confirm no gluten-containing fillers are included.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the classic recipe centers on sausage, you can swap the meat for plant-based sausages or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version. The peppers, tomatoes, and herbs bring so much flavor that it still feels satisfying.

What kind of Italian sausage is best?

Whether you prefer mild or hot Italian sausage depends on your heat tolerance, but either works beautifully here. Pork sausage is traditional, but chicken or turkey Italian sausage are excellent lighter alternatives.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

Yes! This dish is fantastic for entertaining because it can be made ahead and reheated. Just keep it covered, simmer it gently before serving, and it’ll taste as fresh and vibrant as when you first made it.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with serious flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or prepping meals in advance, this rustic skillet dish will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortless and delicious homemade Italian comfort food can be!

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