There’s something deeply comforting about a meal that comes together in a single pot, filling your kitchen with aromas that instantly transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. One Pot Sausage and Peppers is the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special without demanding hours in the kitchen or mountains of dirty dishes. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or preparing dinner for guests who are stopping by, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. First, what makes this dish so beloved is its perfect balance of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and savory seasonings that create layers of flavor in every bite. Next, the beauty lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a depth that tastes like you spent all day cooking. Additionally, this meal is naturally wholesome, budget-friendly, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Afterward, you’ll have a gorgeous, hearty dish that satisfies cravings for comfort food while keeping your cooking simple and stress-free.
Ingredients
Serves: 4–6 people
• 1 pound Italian sausage (either hot or sweet, casings removed if in links) • 2 large red bell peppers, cut into thick strips • 2 large yellow or orange bell peppers, cut into thick strips • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth • 2 tablespoons tomato paste • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish) • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot enough to sizzle when the sausage touches the surface.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink inside.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to a clean plate using a slotted spoon, leaving behind as much flavorful fat as possible in the pot.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot.
- Add the sliced onions and peppers to the pot, stirring occasionally for about 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften and develop light golden edges.
- Meanwhile, sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
- Stir in the tomato paste, coating all the vegetables evenly, and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together, making sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue simmering for an additional 5–10 minutes, or if you like it saucier, add a splash more broth.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh basil if using.
- Ladle the sausage and peppers into serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish lies in how all the components work together. First, browning the sausage creates a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pot—those browned bits are liquid gold for your sauce. Next, the bell peppers release their natural sweetness as they cook, perfectly balancing the savory sausage and the slight tang of the tomatoes. Additionally, the tomato paste adds depth and richness without requiring a long simmer time. This approach means you get big, bold flavors in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve this one-pot wonder over creamy polenta, egg noodles, or rice to catch every drop of the delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can ladle it into crusty bread bowls for a more rustic presentation that feels special without extra effort. Pair it with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and balance the richness of the sausage. For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside garlic bread and a glass of red wine like Chianti or Barbera. Traditionally, Italians enjoy this dish with crusty ciabatta bread for dipping into the sauce, which is absolutely worth trying. Additionally, this recipe works wonderfully for casual entertaining since it looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually improve as the ingredients continue to meld together. To freeze, cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over medium-low heat, allowing extra time and stirring frequently to ensure even warming. For best results, keep the sausage and peppers separate from the sauce when freezing, though combining them works fine for convenience.
Helpful Notes and Tips
One of the most common mistakes home cooks make is overcrowding the pot when browning the sausage, which causes it to steam rather than brown. Instead, work in batches if necessary, or use a larger pot to ensure the sausage makes good contact with the hot surface. If you’re using sausage links instead of ground sausage, simply brown them whole for a few minutes per side, then slice them into chunks before returning to the pot.
For a lighter version of this dish, choose turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage, which reduces calories while maintaining wonderful flavor. To make it vegetarian, substitute the sausage with hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello, sliced and sautéed until golden, or use plant-based sausage for a more direct swap. Adding a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking adds nutrition and vibrant color without changing the fundamental character of the dish.
Next, consider your pepper preference—red and yellow peppers are naturally sweeter and milder than green peppers, but feel free to mix in green ones if you enjoy a bit more vegetal bite. Additionally, if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, minced garlic from a jar works perfectly well and requires no prep time. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add a diced jalapeño alongside the bell peppers during the cooking process.
If your tomato sauce seems too acidic, a pinch of sugar helps balance the flavors naturally. However, if it’s too thick after cooking, simply add more broth or even pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Meanwhile, if you’re short on time, using pre-minced garlic, pre-cut peppers from the grocery store, or canned diced tomatoes (which you already have here) are all practical shortcuts that don’t compromise the final result.
Chef Tips
Brown the sausage until it has a deep golden crust rather than just cooking it through—this extra color translates to extra flavor through the Maillard reaction, elevating the entire dish. Additionally, let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle, resulting in a more satisfying eating experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely—chorizo, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy Italian sausage all work wonderfully and will give different flavor profiles to enjoy.
How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator? Stored in an airtight container, this recipe stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, though it’s best consumed within 2–3 days for optimal quality.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish? Fresh basil is wonderful but optional—you can skip it entirely, or substitute fresh parsley, oregano, or simply top with grated Parmesan cheese instead.
Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but double-check that your sausage and broth don’t contain hidden gluten, and serve it with gluten-free pasta or rice if needed.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Sausage and Peppers is the kind of recipe that becomes a trusted favorite in your cooking rotation. First, it demonstrates that simple ingredients prepared with care create dishes worthy of your dinner table. Next, the minimal cleanup means you spend less time with dishes and more time enjoying your meal and the people you’re sharing it with. Additionally, this recipe proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated to be delicious and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply wanting to treat yourself to something special on a Tuesday night, this one-pot wonder delivers every single time. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and savory sauce is comfort food at its finest—the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Moreover, once you master this basic technique, you’ll find yourself making countless variations based on what’s in your pantry and what you’re craving.
We’d absolutely love to hear if you enjoyed making this recipe! Did you try any substitutions? Did it become a favorite at your table? Please save this recipe, pin it to your Pinterest board, and share it with friends and family who would enjoy it. Your feedback and shares inspire us to keep developing more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen. Thank you for cooking with us today, and we can’t wait to see what you create next!
