Easy Sausage Cacciatore Recipe – A Flavorful One-Pan Italian Meal
This Easy Sausage Cacciatore Recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, polenta, or crusty bread. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Equipment
- Equipment Needed:
- ✔ Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- ✔ Wooden spoon – For stirring.
- ✔ Cutting board & knife
- ✔️ Measuring Cups & Spoons
- ✔ Medium pot (if serving with pasta or rice)
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb 450g Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced into rounds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth or red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for garnish
- For Serving:
- Cooked pasta spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne
- Crusty Italian bread
- Steamed rice or polenta
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth (or red wine). Stir well.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Simmer the Dish
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Meat Variations: Swap pork sausage for chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
✔ Make It Creamy: Add ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
✔ Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Slow Cooker Option: Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
✔ Instant Pot Option: Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
✔ Make It Creamy: Add ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
✔ Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Slow Cooker Option: Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
✔ Instant Pot Option: Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.