One-Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers

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

A hearty, flavorful pasta dish cooked in one pot with spicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato broth. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, casings removed Italian sausage, red and 1 green, diced bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 red bell pepper, diced, and 1 green bell pepper, diced, to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 8 oz spaghetti, then pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and stir.
  6. Step 6: Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until spaghetti is tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in the cooked sausage, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers?

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 Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers 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 Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers?

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.

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