One-Pot Sausage and Peppers with Onions

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

A comforting weeknight dinner where spicy sausage simmers with sweet peppers and onions in a rich tomato sauce, all cooked with pasta for a complete meal. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, Italian sausage links, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage links, casings removed, and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced, and 1 large onion, thinly sliced, to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz uncooked penne pasta to the pot, stir to combine, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return 12 oz cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute. Serve with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Sausage and Peppers with Onions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Sausage and Peppers with Onions?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Sausage and Peppers with Onions?

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 Sausage and Peppers with Onions 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 Sausage and Peppers with Onions?

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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