If you’re looking for an easy, hearty dinner that tastes like it took hours to make but comes together with just a handful of ingredients, this Sausage & Peppers recipe is one you’ll want to add to your weekly meal rotation! Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, and marinara sauce all simmer together in one skillet to create a flavorful, comforting meal that the whole family will love.

I love recipes that don’t require a ton of prep work but still deliver big flavor, and this one checks all the boxes. The sausage gets slightly browned, the peppers and onions soften, and everything simmers together in a delicious Italian-seasoned marinara sauce.

Serve it over your favorite pasta, pile it onto toasted crusty bread, or keep things simple with a little Parmesan or melted provolone on top. However you serve it, this easy sausage and peppers skillet is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving a comforting Italian-inspired dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage & Peppers Recipe

One skillet meal: Everything cooks together in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash!
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make a flavorful dinner.
Easy to customize: Use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your family’s preferences.
Perfect for busy nights: Minimal prep and a short simmering time make this a great weeknight dinner.
Multiple ways to serve: Enjoy it over pasta, on toasted bread, or straight out of the skillet.

Ingredients

Italian Sausage Links: You’ll need one pound of Italian sausage links. Sweet, mild, or hot sausage all work wonderfully. I like using links sliced into rounds because they give you a little bit of sausage in every bite.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and vegetables while adding a little extra flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how much fat your sausage releases.
Sweet Onion: One large sweet onion adds natural sweetness that balances the savory sausage and tangy marinara sauce. Slice it into strips so it cooks evenly.
Green Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper adds a little freshness and classic flavor. You can also use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic give this dish that delicious Italian-inspired flavor. Fresh garlic is my preference, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
Marinara Sauce: A 15-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce brings everything together. Use a brand you love, whether it’s traditional, garlic and herb, or roasted garlic.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that complements the sausage and marinara.
Dried Oregano: A little extra oregano gives the sauce that classic Italian flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: These seasonings help bring all the flavors together. Remember that Italian sausage and marinara can already contain salt, so adjust to taste.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: A little fresh greenery on top adds color and freshness before serving.
Optional Toppings: Don’t skip the cheese! Parmesan is always delicious, but my favorite way to serve this is with sliced provolone melted right over the top.

How to Make Sausage & Peppers

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps!

Brown the sausage and vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage, sliced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned on the outside and the vegetables begin to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the garlic and seasonings. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the marinara. Add the jar of marinara sauce and stir everything together until the sausage and vegetables are evenly coated.

adding sausage, onion and peppers to pot with seasonings

Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow everything to simmer for 15–20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to come together and allows the sausage to cook completely. Make sure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for pork sausage.
Add the cheese. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top or add slices of provolone. If using provolone, cover the skillet for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
Garnish and serve. Finish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm over pasta or alongside crusty buttered bread.

Tips for Making the Best Sausage & Peppers

Don’t skip browning the sausage. Browning adds an extra layer of flavor that makes a big difference in the finished dish.
Slice everything evenly. Try to keep your sausage, onions, and peppers relatively uniform in size so everything cooks evenly.
Choose your sausage wisely. Sweet Italian sausage is great for a family-friendly dinner, while hot Italian sausage adds a little kick.
Let it simmer. Those extra 15–20 minutes allow the sausage, peppers, onions, and marinara to develop a delicious flavor together.
Don’t overcook the peppers. If you like your peppers with a little texture, keep an eye on them while simmering.
Use a good marinara. Since marinara is the base of the sauce, choose one you already enjoy eating.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up depending on what you have in your refrigerator.

Use Different Bell Peppers: Green peppers are traditional, but red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are delicious, too. You can even use a combination for extra color.

Make It Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or stir in a little extra crushed red pepper.

Add More Vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or additional bell peppers are great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers.

Make It Cheesy: Provolone is my favorite topping, but mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a little shredded Italian cheese blend would be delicious.

Make It Low Carb: Skip the pasta and bread and serve the sausage and peppers on their own or over zucchini noodles.

Use Chicken or Turkey Sausage: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute chicken or turkey Italian sausage. Just be sure to cook it to the appropriate safe internal temperature.

What to Serve With Sausage & Peppers

There are so many ways to enjoy this recipe! Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:

Over Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or rotini. The marinara sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
Crusty Buttered Bread: A warm slice of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
On Hoagie Rolls: Turn this into a classic sausage and peppers sandwich by piling everything onto toasted hoagie rolls and topping with melted provolone.
Over Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for an easy, filling dinner.
With a Side Salad: A simple Italian salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and Italian dressing makes a great side.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are delicious alongside this skillet meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator: Allow the sausage and peppers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or marinara if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Freezing: This recipe freezes well! Allow everything to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a batch ahead of time and portion it into containers with cooked pasta or rice for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I make sausage and peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve. The flavors are even better after they’ve had time to sit together!

Can I use ground Italian sausage instead of links?

Yes! Ground Italian sausage works perfectly. Simply brown and crumble the sausage in your skillet with the onions and peppers, then continue with the recipe as directed.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of marinara?

Yes! Any tomato-based pasta sauce will work. Traditional marinara is my preference, but garlic, basil, or roasted garlic pasta sauce would all be delicious.

How do I know when the sausage is fully cooked?

For pork Italian sausage, the internal temperature should reach 160°F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest pieces.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! Brown the sausage and vegetables in an oven-safe skillet, add the garlic, seasonings, and marinara, then cover and bake at 375°F until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausage slices.

Is sausage and peppers spicy?

That depends on the sausage you choose! Sweet Italian sausage has a mild flavor, while hot Italian sausage has more heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If you love simple, comforting meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen, here are a few more dinner ideas to add to your rotation:

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Dump and Bake Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Crockpot Beef Vegetable Soup
Creamy Mac and Cheese
5-Ingredient Crockpot Enchiladas

Final Thoughts

This easy Sausage & Peppers recipe is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated cooking instructions to make a delicious dinner. With Italian sausage, sweet onions, bell peppers, and marinara all simmered together in one skillet, you get a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve to company.

My favorite way to enjoy it is with a slice of crusty buttered bread and melted provolone on top. Don’t forget to save a little extra bread for soaking up that sauce!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment and let me know how you served it!