Description
A quick, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner featuring seared Italian sausage, caramelized bell peppers and onions, and a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and green mix), sliced into ½-inch strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24-26 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables by washing and slicing the bell peppers and onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the sausage links to the pan. Prick them with a fork to prevent bursting. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned all over, but not fully cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the same pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized. Deglaze with a splash of water if sticking.
- Add the minced garlic and dried oregano to the pan. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Slice the seared sausage into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil if using. Serve hot over crusty bread, pasta, or in sub rolls. Top with cheese if desired.
Notes
Do not skip searing the sausage to create a flavor base. Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking. Simmer gently to avoid breaking the sauce. If serving over pasta, reserve some starchy pasta water to help the sauce cling. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Italian sausage, peppers and onions, one-pan meal, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, skillet recipe, Italian food, quick meals