Italian-Style Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
When it comes to Italian comfort food nothing tops a mouthwatering skillet filled with sausage, peppers, and onions. At Bauer family parties, this is the dish that brings everyone together… and I’m hoping you love it as much as we do!
This recipe is one that my crew always looks forward to when we gather to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or another significant milestone. I tend to put it out in a big pan on the table and let everyone help themselves. It’s organized chaos, haha, while everyone digs into the Italian classic (sometimes my brothers make a heaping hero sandwich, as shown!). Whether you pile it on a crusty roll or savor it straight from the skillet, this dish guarantees the yum factor!
You can use whatever lean poultry sausages you like, and with so many outstanding options available, you’re sure to find a winner. I generally use hot Italian or chicken with apple… but really, you can’t go wrong! You can also speed up the process by opting for already cooked sausages, so they just have to be warmed. After the sausages are initially cooked and cut into slices, I like to quickly sear the small, bite-size pieces on the hot pan to intensify the overall taste. Then you’re ready to build the full recipe.
Why this recipe belongs on your table!
- Classic Italian comfort: a timeless combination of sausage, peppers, and onions everyone loves.
- Versatile serving options: spoon it over pasta, stuff it in a hoagie roll, or enjoy it skillet-style with salad on the side.
- Nutritious balance: lean sausage plus plenty of colorful veggies makes it a protein- and fiber-packed meal.
- Meal-prep friendly: leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully.
And here’s the dietitian in me talking… this dish (without the bread) is low-carb, high in protein, and packed with fiber from the peppers and onions. It’s a smart option for anyone watching their carbs, supporting blood sugar balance, or simply aiming to eat more colorful vegetables while still enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal.
For me, this dish will always taste like home—big, boisterous family dinners where we laughed, ate, and went back for seconds (and thirds!). I hope it brings that same warmth and celebration to your kitchen.
If this Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe hits the spot, you’ll also want to try some of my other Italian-inspired favorites. My Eggplant Parmesan Boats are a super easy, healthy spin that’s light yet indulgent, and my Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan Stacks layer chicken with roasted eggplant and marinara for a heartier twist on the classic. For a set-it-and-forget-it option, my Italian-Style Slow Cooker Meatballs are tender, saucy, and perfect for busy nights. And when you’re craving all the flavors of lasagna without the pasta, my Noodle-Free Lasagna delivers cheesy, saucy comfort in every bite!!
Try my Skillet Sausage and Beans!
Italian-Style Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian turkey or chicken sausage*
- 3 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, sliced
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- ¼ to ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with liquid
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Liberally coat a large and wide skillet with nonstick oil spray and warm over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides and firm enough to slice but not fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice the sausages into ¼-inch rounds. Add back to the pan and cook for another minute or so to sear the insides. Transfer to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Reapply oil spray to the skillet and add the bell peppers and onions. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re slightly browned and starting to caramelize. Add the Italian seasoning (or oregano), basil, and garlic and cook, stirring, for another minute.
- Add the broth, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes with their liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and add the sausage. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with parsley, if desired. This is equally delicious on its own or stuffed into a crusty, whole-grain roll and enjoyed as a hero!
As a kid, I grew up eating these at my local deli, they were delicious! As an adult, I know how unhealthy they are. I reluctantly tried the recipe, thinking it would never live up to my childhood memory – well, it did, in a big way!! I highly recommend this recipe!!
Hi Morgan, so glad this recipe lived up to your expectations (and childhood memories)! Thanks for your recommendation and awesome review! We really appreciate your kind words!
—Donna
Easy and delicious. I was surprised by how much I liked the chicken sausage.
Hi Nancy, we’re happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe…and that you’re a fan of chicken sausage. It works perfectly in this dish! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your thoughts with us!
—Donna
Very easy recipe to follow. The meal was delicious and super flavorful. The peppers tasted sweet from the addition of canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Family loved it and I will make again. Thank you!
Thank you for the wonderful review, Alma! This one is a favorite in my house!!
Delicious..
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Mary! xx