One-Pot Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne
A comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers simmered in a tomato sauce. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, casings removed Italian sausage, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb, casings removed Italian sausage
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, for serving grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage with casings removed and crumble it while cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through with some crispy edges. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and edges begin to caramelize.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil to the vegetables. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add 12 oz penne pasta and the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens to coat the pasta.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne 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 One-Pot Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne?
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 One-Pot Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne 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 One-Pot Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne?
Italian one pot 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.
