Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe – One-Pan, Bold & Full of Flavor

This Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe is a timeless, hearty dish that brings together sizzling sausages, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions in a single skillet. It’s incredibly flavorful, quick to prepare, and works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for feeding a crowd at gatherings.

You can serve it over pasta, stuff it into a hoagie roll, or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb, high-protein meal. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that tastes like comfort on a plate.

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Introduction: A Classic Italian-American Favorite

Sausage and peppers has long been a go-to comfort dish in Italian-American kitchens, especially in regions like New York and New Jersey. Traditionally served at street fairs, festivals, and family dinners, it’s a satisfying combo of juicy sausage links and sautéed bell peppers and onions—sometimes simmered in a light tomato sauce, other times served dry and crisped.

What makes this version special is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few pantry staples, one pan, and under 30 minutes of active cooking time, you get bold, well-rounded flavors that taste like they simmered all day.

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Ingredients Overview: The Building Blocks of Flavor

1. Italian Sausage (Sweet or Hot)

• Choose pork or chicken sausage, with casings intact or removed.

• Sweet sausage is mild and savory; hot sausage adds heat.

2. Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green)

• Use a variety of colors for sweetness, depth, and presentation.

3. Onion (Yellow or Red)

• Sliced into half-moons for maximum caramelization and sweetness.

4. Garlic

• Freshly minced for aromatic flavor—classic in Italian dishes.

5. Olive Oil

• Used for sautéing and adding richness to the veggies.

6. Crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Paste (Optional)

• Add for a saucy version or keep it dry-roasted for a crispier texture.

7. Italian Seasoning or Fresh Herbs

• Oregano, basil, thyme, or parsley bring everything together.

8. Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes

• Basic but essential for seasoning and heat.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Italian Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

• 1 lb Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: ½ cup crushed tomatoes or 1 tbsp tomato paste

• Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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1. Cook the Sausage

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add sausage links and cook for 7–8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.

• Remove from pan and slice into 1-inch pieces (or keep whole). Set aside.

Tip: You can also slice raw sausage before cooking, but whole sausages are juicier and easier to brown evenly.

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2. Sauté the Peppers and Onions

• In the same pan, add remaining olive oil.

• Add sliced onions and all bell peppers.

• Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until softened and starting to brown.

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3. Add Garlic and Seasoning

• Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

• Cook for another 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.

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4. Return Sausage to the Pan

• Add browned sausage pieces back into the skillet.

• Stir to combine with peppers and onions.

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5. Optional: Add Tomato Base

• If using crushed tomatoes or tomato paste, add now.

• Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and cooked through.

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6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil.

• Serve hot on its own or with your favorite side.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—brown sausages in batches if needed.

• Use high heat for caramelizing onions and peppers for the best flavor.

• Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or broth after cooking sausage to capture extra flavor.

Variations

• Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed version.

• Use smoked sausage or chicken sausage for different flavor profiles.

• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine for depth.

Substitutions

• Low-fat option: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage.

• No tomato version: Skip crushed tomatoes for a dry-roasted style dish.

• Vegetarian: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives like Beyond or Field Roast.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Try serving it:

• Over pasta or polenta for a cozy, hearty meal

• Stuffed into hoagie rolls with melted provolone for classic sausage and pepper sandwiches

• Over steamed rice or mashed potatoes

• With a side salad and garlic bread

• As a meal prep staple—reheats beautifully

Great for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Family gatherings or parties

• Game day food trays

• Freezer meals (make ahead and store)

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This recipe is:

• Naturally gluten-free (check sausage labels)

• High in protein

• Contains antioxidant-rich vegetables

• Easy to make low-carb or keto-friendly by skipping tomato sauce and bread

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4):

• Calories: 370–420

• Protein: 20–25g

• Fat: 30g

• Carbs: 8–12g (mostly from veggies and tomato)

• Sugar: 4g

• Fiber: 2–3g

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FAQ: Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. It reheats very well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

2. Can I freeze sausage and peppers?

Definitely. Let it cool, then freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

If using hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes, yes. You can make it completely mild by using sweet sausage and omitting the chili.

4. Do I need to cook the sausage before slicing?

Cooking whole sausages first helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. But you can slice first if preferred—just watch for dryness.

5. Can I bake instead of using the stove?

Yes! Bake everything in a roasting pan at 400°F for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Add tomatoes halfway if using.

6. What type of sausage works best?

Traditional Italian pork sausage (sweet or hot) is ideal, but chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage all work well too.

7. How do I make it saucier?

Add ½ to 1 cup of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even marinara. Simmer with sausage and peppers for 10 minutes before serving.

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