The Zesty Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Recipe

Robust italian sausage sizzles with vibrant bell peppers and caramelized onions, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Succulent links promise a hearty meal that transports you straight to rustic Italian kitchens.

Mediterranean aromas will dance through your home while this classic dish comes together.

Each bite combines smoky meat with sweet, tender vegetables in perfect harmony.

Simple ingredients and minimal preparation make this recipe a weeknight champion for busy cooks.

Comfort and tradition merge on your plate, inviting you to savor every delectable morsel.

This soulful combination guarantees a meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful, seasoned pork sausage that brings rich, spicy taste to the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: These colorful vegetables add sweetness and provide a tender, caramelized base for the sausage.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: A liquid that helps create a savory sauce and keeps the ingredients moist.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Classic Italian herbs that contribute an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional spice that adds a subtle heat to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that provide a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Step 1: Browning the Sausages

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place sausages in the pan, rotating them occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the sausages develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through, which typically takes about 12-15 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausages to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Creating Caramelized Vegetable Magic

• Sliced onions
• Bell peppers

Stir the vegetables occasionally, allowing them to soften and develop a rich, caramelized color. This process takes approximately 8-10 minutes, creating a delightful base of flavors.

Step 3: Boosting Aromatic Flavors

• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Bringing Everything Together

Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Gently stir to combine with the vegetables, ensuring everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped basil or parsley on top.

Step 5: Serving Up Deliciousness

Serve this mouthwatering dish piping hot. Enjoy it alongside crusty bread, tossed with pasta, or stuffed into a hearty sub roll for an incredible sausage sandwich experience.

Helpful Tips for Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

• Ensure sausages are fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety and perfect texture.
• Choose high-quality Italian sausages with robust flavors for maximum taste experience.
• Slice vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Caramelize onions and peppers slowly to develop deep, sweet flavor notes.
• Optional: Add a splash of white wine during vegetable sautéing for extra depth and complexity.

Flavor Variations for Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo and add smoked paprika for extra heat and authentic Spanish flavor.
• Greek-Style Skillet: Use lamb sausage, swap bell peppers for roasted eggplant, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean touch.
• Lighter Chicken Option: Substitute pork sausage with lean chicken sausage, add zucchini slices, and include fresh thyme for a healthier version.
• Beer-Braised Classic: Deglaze the pan with dark beer instead of chicken broth, add sliced mushrooms, and finish with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor complexity.

Suggested Pairings for Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the spicy, rich flavors of the sausage and match the rustic, hearty nature of the dish.
• Serve with Crisp Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sausage and provide a fresh, zesty contrast on the plate.
• Accompany with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast thick slices of rustic Italian bread with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious pan sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Balance with Cool Beer Pairing: Select a medium-bodied craft beer like an amber ale or Italian lager to refresh the palate and stand up to the bold sausage flavors.

How to Store Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the sausage and vegetables remain fresh and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from container.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs on Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

• What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, but you can use sweet or hot varieties depending on your spice preference. Choose fresh sausages from the meat counter for the best flavor and texture.

• Can I grill the sausages instead of pan-cooking?

Absolutely! Grill sausages over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and nice char marks. The grilling method adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

• How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The sausages should be browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

Why Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Is a Hearty Favorite

• Savor Authentic Flavors: Dive into a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings the warmth of traditional cooking right to your kitchen.
• Master Quick Cooking: Learn a simple one-skillet method that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
• Customize Your Comfort: Enjoy incredible flexibility by serving this versatile recipe over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish that pleases everyone at the table.
• Boost Weeknight Excitement: Create a restaurant-quality meal that feels special yet takes less than thirty minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy families and spontaneous dinner plans.

Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 28-34 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Italian sausage with peppers and onions brings rustic Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, creating a simple yet memorable meal that connects you to Italian culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 Italian sausages (sweet or hot)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear sausages in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, rotating periodically until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a separate plate.
2. Use the same skillet to sauté sliced onions and bell peppers, stirring intermittently until vegetables soften and develop caramelized edges, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, cooking for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors. Pour chicken broth and sprinkle dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cut cooked sausages into bite-sized segments and return to the skillet. Gently blend with vegetables, ensuring thorough heating. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
5. Plate the sausage and pepper medley, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs. Serve alongside crusty bread, atop pasta, or nestled within a sub roll for a robust meal.

Notes

• Slice sausages diagonally for better presentation and even cooking distribution.
• Choose sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on personal heat preference and flavor profile.
• Pat sausages dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy texture.
• Use cast-iron skillet for superior caramelization and deeper flavor development in vegetables.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 23-29 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg