Why You’ll Love these Savory Sausage and Peppers
Everyone who tries this sausage and peppers recipe falls instantly in love with it. I’m always looking for quick weeknight meals that don’t sacrifice flavor, and this one delivers every time. The colorful bell peppers create a vibrant base while the turkey Italian sausage adds satisfying protein without excessive fat.
What I appreciate most is how the garlic infuses everything with its aromatic magic. The sauce brings it all together, creating that comforting, homey taste that clings perfectly to the penne. When the mozzarella melts into the mixture? Pure heaven. It’s like a hug in a bowl, honestly. Comfort food that won’t weigh you down.
What Ingredients are in Savory Sausage and Peppers?
This classic sausage and peppers recipe brings together savory protein, colorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings for a meal that satisfies without weighing you down. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients that transform into something spectacular when they come together.
I love how the peppers become slightly sweet as they cook, creating the perfect contrast to the savory sausage.
- Cooking spray
- Turkey Italian sausage
- Green bell pepper
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow bell pepper
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 (26 ounce) bottle fat-free pasta sauce
- 6 cups hot cooked penne (about 3/4 pound uncooked)
- Mozzarella cheese (for melting into the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
When shopping for ingredients, look for lean turkey Italian sausage to keep this dish on the lighter side, though you could certainly substitute pork sausage if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.
The trio of bell peppers isn’t just for show—each color brings a slightly different sweetness and texture to the dish. And while the recipe calls for fat-free pasta sauce, feel free to use whatever variety you have on hand.
The real magic happens when the cheese melts into everything, creating that irresistible gooey factor that makes comfort food so, well, comforting.
How to Make these Savory Sausage and Peppers
Start by spraying a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heating it over medium-high heat. Add your turkey Italian sausage to the pan and cook for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s lightly browned on all sides. The sausage doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point—we’ll be returning it to the pan later.
Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and let it cool slightly before slicing it into ½-inch thick rounds. Who doesn’t love those perfect medallions of sausage that catch all the sauce?
After wiping the pan clean with paper towels and giving it another coat of cooking spray, return it to medium-high heat and add your trio of bell peppers—green, red, and yellow. Let them sauté for about 6 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some bite.
Next, add the sliced sausage back to the pan and sauté for 2 more minutes, then throw in 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for another 2 minutes. The kitchen smells amazing at this point, with the peppers releasing their sweetness and the garlic becoming wonderfully aromatic.
Pour in the 26-ounce bottle of fat-free pasta sauce, bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For the final touch of comfort-food perfection, remove the pan from heat and stir in mozzarella cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
To serve, place 1 cup of the hot cooked penne pasta in each bowl, then generously spoon about 1 cup of the sausage and pepper mixture over the top. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese—about 1 teaspoon per bowl. The cheese melts slightly over the hot mixture, creating little pockets of savory goodness in every bite.
And just like that, dinner is served—vibrant, satisfying, and surprisingly light!
Savory Sausage and Peppers Substitutions and Variations
While our classic version makes for a delicious weeknight meal, let’s explore how to customize this sausage and peppers recipe to suit your taste buds and pantry situation.
Don’t have turkey sausage? No problem. Swap in chicken, pork, or even plant-based sausage. I’ve used spicy Italian sausage when I’m craving heat, and it’s divine.
The bell peppers are flexible too—try poblanos for smokiness or add some sliced onions for sweetness.
Got dietary restrictions? Use gluten-free pasta or serve over polenta, rice, or even spaghetti squash.
Sometimes I skip the pasta entirely and stuff the mixture into hoagie rolls for amazing sandwiches.
What to Serve with Savory Sausage and Peppers
Though our savory sausage and peppers recipe shines as a complete meal on its own, I love pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the Italian-inspired flavors.
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, fresh contrast to the rich sausage. Crusty garlic bread? Perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce.
For lighter options, I suggest roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli tossed with olive oil and parmesan.
And don’t forget a glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Montepulciano. The slightly acidic notes cut through the richness of the dish, creating what my Italian grandmother would call “a marriage made in culinary heaven.”
Final Thoughts
This classic sausage and peppers recipe has become a cornerstone in my weekly dinner rotation, and for good reason. It’s quick, nutritious, and infinitely adaptable to whatever’s in your fridge. Don’t have turkey sausage? Regular Italian works beautifully. Only green peppers on hand? No problem.
What I love most is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for company but easy enough for Wednesday night. The sauce-coated pasta cradles those savory sausage slices and sweet peppers perfectly. And that melty mozzarella? Pure comfort food magic.
Try it once, and I bet it becomes your go-to recipe too.
Savory Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add turkey Italian sausage to the pan and cook for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned on all sides.
- Remove sausage from the pan and let cool slightly. Slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels. Reapply cooking spray and return to medium-high heat.
- Add the green, red, and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 6 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Return the sliced sausage to the pan and sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the pasta sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
- To serve, place 1 cup of hot cooked penne pasta in each bowl and top with about 1 cup of the sausage and pepper mixture.
- Sprinkle each serving with approximately 1 teaspoon of fresh Parmesan cheese.
