Deep-Dish Inspired Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty skillet with Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tomatoes inspired by Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza toppings. This Italian-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs Italian sausage links, olive oil, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 Italian sausage links (about 1 lb) whole and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Remove and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add sliced 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large green bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced yellow onion. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and edges begin to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the sliced sausage to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook together for 2 more minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Inspired Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Inspired Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep italian sausage links from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Inspired Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Deep-Dish Inspired Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Deep-Dish Inspired Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet?

Italian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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