This one-pan dish is a tasty combination of Italian sausage, colorful peppers, and sweet onions. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
I love how all the ingredients cook together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze! Plus, you can serve it with bread or pasta, and it feels like a special treat without much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between sweet or spicy sausages based on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too. I love the flavor of the traditional pork sausage, but don’t hesitate to experiment!
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers not only adds color but also sweetness. You can easily swap them for other colors like orange peppers, or use just one type. If you’re short on fresh peppers, frozen ones can also work in a pinch.
Onion: Yellow onions bring a great sweetness to this dish, but can be substituted with red or even white onions if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re not a big onion fan, you can reduce the amount or skip it entirely.
Herbs & Seasoning: Dried oregano and basil are key for that Italian flavor. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them! Also, if you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.
How Do You Get the Sausage Perfectly Cooked?
The trick is to get the sausage nice and brown on the outside without overcooking it. Start with a hot skillet and let them sear for about 5-7 minutes. Turning them occasionally helps achieve that golden color. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (70°C) for pork sausages.
- Heat oil over medium heat and add sausages without crowding the pan.
- Let them cook without moving for a few minutes to brown one side before flipping.
- After browning, let them rest on a plate before slicing—this keeps them juicy!
Easy One-Pan Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links (sweet or spicy, according to preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings or half rings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: hoagie rolls or cooked pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, no-fuss, and perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausages:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links to the skillet and cook them until they are browned on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once they are nicely browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Next, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them together until they have softened up a bit, around 5-7 minutes. You’ll enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Now, stir in the minced garlic along with the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like some heat). Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Combine the Sausages with the Vegetables:
Slice the browned sausages into half-inch pieces and put them back in the skillet with the peppers and onions. Cook everything together for an additional 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sausages are heated through and the vegetables are perfectly tender.
5. Season and Serve:
Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley or basil for an extra pop of flavor. Serve it hot on its own, over cooked pasta, or stuffed into hoagie rolls for delicious sandwiches!
Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pan Italian sausage with peppers and onions! It’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Bell Peppers?
No problem! You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish is also great as a filling for wraps or on top of rice!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you love spice, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes, or even toss in some sliced jalapeños while cooking. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top just before serving for an added kick!
