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Home » Recipes » Entrees

Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta

Published: Aug 16, 2023 · Modified: Jul 1, 2025 by Debra Clark · 3 Comments

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Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta is simple to make, and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Plus, it is loaded with flavor. You will love the combination of savory sausage, peppers, and onions.

Saucy penne pasta in skillet with peppers and onions. With serving spoon.

Next time be sure to try this Tuna Casserole Recipe!

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Things to know
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ This one pot meal is ready in under 30 minutes, it's great for busy weeknights!

✔️ An easy recipe that is packed with tasty Italian flavors.

✔️ Like the Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, leftovers taste even better the next day, love that!

Ingredients

Ingredients to make Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta, with print overlay.
Ingredients for the Italian Sausage Pasta

For the exact measurements to make the Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • butter
  • chopped white onions
  • chopped red bell peppers - I used a combination of red and yellow bell peppers, but you can use green peppers as well.
  • salt
  • ground pepper
  • garlic powder
  • celery seeds
  • ground Italian sausage - I used sweet Italian sausage but you can use spicy sausage if you'd prefer.
  • pasta sauce
  • penne pasta, rotini pasta, short cut pasta or use your favorite pasta.
  • fresh shredded Mozzarella
  • grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions 

Instructions to make Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta Recipe, with print overlay.
Instructions for the Peppers Pasta Recipe

This is an overview of the instructions for this easy dinner. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well.
  2. In a large pan, sauté the onions, peppers and sausage until the sweet sausage is no longer pink.
  3. Add pasta sauce and simmer for five minutes. If the pasta sauce is thick, add in a small amount of pasta water.
  4. Toss the pasta in the sauce and vegetable mix. 
  5. Top with cheese then serve and enjoy.

Equipment

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  • large pot or dutch oven
  • large skillet
Penne pasta in bowl topped with cheese.
This is such an easy weeknight dinner!

FAQ's

What do you eat the sausage pepper pasta recipe with?

I like to eat this dish with a side salad and some crusty bread.

Can you make sausage and peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and vegetables then store in the fridge. Reheat when you are ready to eat.

How do you cut onions for sausage and peppers?

For this pasta recipe, I diced my onions into half inch pieces.  I diced the peppers to the same size.

What cooks faster peppers or onions?

Peppers cook faster than onions.

Things to know

  • If you don't have Italian sausage, you can use ground beef, pork sausage turkey or chicken.
  • I like to use mild Italian sausage in this recipe, but you can use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer.
  • If you are using italian sausage links instead of ground sausage remove the links from the casing.
  • A can of Rotel would also taste amazing in this pasta dish.
  • Instead of garlic powder and celery seeds you could use Italian Seasoning.
  • Make this sauce extra creamy by pouring in some heavy cream.
  • Olive oil makes a great replacement for butter when cooking the onions and peppers.
  • Learn how to reheat a casserole here.

Variations

  • Add some heat to this recipe by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Cajun seasoning is another great way to add some extra flavor to this dish.
  • Zucchini, summer squash, broccoli florets, mushrooms or eggplant would be great in this dish.
  • Change this recipe up by adding cooked rice instead of pasta.
  • Pepper jack cheese would be a great swap for the mozzarella in this recipe.
  • Try serving this dish over some cooked spaghetti squash for a low carb option.
  • Pour in a dash of red wine for a deep and rich flavor.
  • Chicken sausage or turkey sausage is an excellent low fat protein for this pasta.
Saucy penne pasta in dish with fork filled with pasta.
Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta

Storage

Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer - You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat on the stove.

Reheat - To reheat, add the pasta to a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. Cook until heated through.

Related recipes

  • Easy to make Sausage and Peppers in the Oven - this simple sheet pan meal is delicious! Or be sure to try the Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole. Don't let the name scare you; this is one great cassoulet!
  • Be sure to try the Skillet Kielbasa and Cabbage. It's a quick 30-minute meal!
  • Skip the fussy prep and make the Stuffed Cabbage Casserole!
  • Craving something bold and saucy? Don't miss this Voodoo Pasta-it's a flavor bomb in a bowl!

Serve with

  • Steakhouse Salad is full of bold flavors and will complement your meal.
  • Roasted green beans and carrots are a simple side dish that is full of fresh and healthy vegetables.
  • Not only is this Garlic Stuffed Cheesy Bread delicious but it's great for dipping in this creamy sauce.

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Cheesy pasta in casserole dish with spoon dishing up a helping.
5 from 4 votes

Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta Recipe

Cheesy, meaty and delicious this simple skillet pasta dinner is a five star Italian meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 445kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup chopped white onions
  • 1 cup of chopped bell pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1 pound of ground Italian sausage
  • 32 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh shredded Mozzarella
  • ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook your pasta to al dente, drain well reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat add the butter and onion. Sauté until the onions are softened, 2 minutes.
  • Add the peppers and cook and sauté another two minutes, add seasoning and mix until coated.
  • Add the ground sausage and cook until there is no more pink.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta sauce and mix until all ingredients are incorporated, simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add pasta to the sauce, mix well to combine. If the pasta sauce seems a little stiff add a ladle of pasta water.
  • Remove from heat. Add the mozzarella and the Parmesan. Mix until incorporated.
  • Serve and Enjoy!

Notes

You can use any combination of sweet bell peppers - red, orange, yellow peppers or a green bell pepper as well.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1387mg | Potassium: 596mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1357IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 255mg | Iron: 3mg

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Richard Orlin says

      April 29, 2023 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      I added 1tbs of oregano with the celery seed and used cooked, sliced sweet italian sausage and it worked very well. Exceptionally tasty and will make it again.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        April 29, 2023 at 7:41 am

        That sounds amazing Richard, great variation - thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Angela says

      September 28, 2022 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      My husband would love this recipe - he loves everything with sausage and peppers!

      Reply
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