Pan-Seared Spicy Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza

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

A robust pizza topped with sautéed spicy Italian sausage, caramelized bell peppers, and melted provolone cheese on a golden crust. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes pairs pizza dough, spicy Italian sausage, medium red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). On medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Remove sausage casing from 150 g spicy Italian sausage, crumble it, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced peppers. Cook for 6-7 minutes until softened and edges start to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Roll out 300 g pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Spread 3 tbsp tomato paste evenly over the surface, sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
  4. Step 4: Distribute the cooked sausage and sautéed peppers evenly over the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Tear 120 g provolone cheese into small pieces and scatter on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 12-15 minutes until crust is crisp and cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and let cool for 3 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Spicy Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Spicy Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza?

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 pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Spicy Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza?

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 Pan-Seared Spicy Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Pan-Seared Spicy Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza?

Italian pizza 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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