Name: One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne pasta; 1 pound Italian sausage links; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 2 sliced Bell peppers ( (I used red and green)); 1/2 sliced Yellow onion (sliced, 1/2 small); 25 oz Marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ((optional for topping))

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Looking for a simple pasta dish that your entire family will love! This Italian Sausage and Peppers with Penne is simple to make and taste amazing.

Hearty Italian sausage and peppers stew in a slow cooker.

When it comes to carbs pasta has to be my all time favorite! I love it in just about any way and this is one of my favorites. Pasta is also great when you are on a budget.

You’re Going to Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes:
How to Make One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne:
Frequently Asked Questions
One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne Recipe

You’re Going to Love This Recipe

One pan, easy cleanup. Everything cooks in the same pot, the pasta, the sausage, the veggies, and the sauce. Less dishes means more time to actually sit down and eat.

If you love dinners that use less dishes you should also take a look at my French Onion Chicken and this simple One-Pan Taco Pasta, great options that cook in the same pan!

Ready in 25 minutes. This is a real weeknight dinner, not a “have everything chopped and ready by 4pm” kind of recipe.

Budget friendly. A pound of sausage, a jar of marinara, and a couple of peppers won’t break the bank, and it easily feeds a family of four to six.

A genuine family favorite. This is one of the only pasta dishes my picky oldest asks for by name — and that’s saying something.

Endlessly customizable. Swap in turkey sausage, spicy marinara, extra garlic, or whatever veggies you have on hand , this recipe is forgiving.

all ingredients laid out on a countertop

Ingredient Notes:

Italian Sausage Links – Mild or sweet Italian sausage keeps this kid-friendly, but swap in hot Italian sausage if your family likes a little kick, or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Bell Peppers – I like using one red and one green for color, but any color works. Red and yellow peppers will give you a slightly sweeter flavor.
Yellow Onion – Cooks down with the peppers and sausage and adds a little natural sweetness to balance the sauce.
Penne Pasta – The ridges and tube shape hold onto the sauce and trap little pieces of sausage and pepper in every bite. Rigatoni or rotini both work well as a substitute.
Marinara Sauce – This is the shortcut that keeps the recipe quick. Use your favorite jarred sauce.
Olive Oil – Just enough to sauté the peppers and onion in the same pan after the sausage comes out.
Parmesan Cheese – Optional, but a sprinkle on top right before serving adds a nice salty finish.

One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne on a white plate with rose gold forks on the side

How to Make One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne:

Boil – Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

cooking pasta and then sausage in pan separately

Brown – In the same pot, cook the Italian sausage until almost done. Remove and cut into bite-size slices.

Sauté – Add the olive oil to the pot along with the bell peppers and onion. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

add peppers and onions then diced sausage to the pan

Combine – Add the sausage back to the pot along with the marinara sauce and cooked pasta.

Cover and let everything cook on low for 4-5 minutes, until warmed through.

all ingredients in the pan overhead picture

Serve – Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay if the Italian sausage looks a little pink in the middle?
A slight pink tint is normal right after slicing, since it finishes cooking once it goes back into the pot with the sauce and pasta. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap in your favorite gluten-free penne, just cook it according to the package directions, since gluten-free pasta timing can vary from regular pasta.

close up image of finished One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne

Can I make this spicier?
Yes, this recipe is easy to spice up. Use a spicy or arrabbiata marinara, swap in hot Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the peppers and onion.

Can I add garlic or other seasonings?
Definitely. A clove or two of minced garlic added in with the peppers and onion is a great addition, and a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes can boost the flavor even more.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or marinara to loosen the sauce back up.

One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Penne on a white plate topped with cheese

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5 from 6 votes