Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions: A Flavor-Packed Classic

Few dishes capture the bold, rustic flavors of Italian comfort food like Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions. It’s a timeless combination—juicy sausages seared to perfection, tender onions, sweet bell peppers, garlic, herbs, and a splash of tomato or broth to bring everything together. Whether served on crusty rolls, over pasta, or alongside roasted potatoes, this dish is hearty, colorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for weeknight family meals, potlucks, game-day gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Big flavor, simple ingredients – Italian seasoning, peppers, and onions create rich, savory depth.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in about 30–35 minutes.
  • Versatile – Serve on hoagie rolls, over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
  • Family-friendly – Mild Italian sausage is perfect for all ages, while hot sausage adds heat for spice lovers.
  • One-skillet goodness – Easy cleanup and maximum browned flavor.

🌶 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sausage & Veggies

  • 1–1.5 lbs Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup chicken broth or tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, adds depth)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

🔥 How to Make Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions

1. Brown the Sausages

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the Italian sausage links.
  3. Sear on all sides until golden brown (they do not need to be fully cooked yet).
  4. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Peppers & Onions

  1. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and peppers.
  2. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 7–10 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Season with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Build the Sauce

  1. Pour chicken broth or tomato sauce into the skillet to deglaze.
  2. Add optional balsamic vinegar for rich tanginess.
  3. Stir and scrape up all browned bits.

4. Simmer with the Sausages

  1. Nestle the browned sausages back into the skillet.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  3. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes, or until sausages are fully cooked (internal temp 160°F).
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot on:

  • Crusty Italian rolls
  • Cooked pasta
  • Rice or quinoa
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cauliflower mash
  • Polenta

🍽 Serving Suggestions

On a Sandwich (Classic Style)

Pile sausage, peppers, and onions onto toasted hoagie rolls. Add provolone or mozzarella for a cheesy version.

Over Pasta

Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or penne with extra sauce.

With Potatoes

Pair with roasted baby potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes.

Low-Carb Option

Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.


🌿 Recipe Tips & Variations

✔ Use sliced sausage

Cut sausage links into coins before browning for faster cooking and easier serving.

✔ Add tomatoes

Stir in a can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a more saucy dish.

✔ Add wine

Deglaze with a splash of white wine or red wine for extra richness.

✔ Make it spicy

Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.

✔ Add mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the peppers for more depth.


🧊 Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:

Freeze in freezer-safe bags up to 2 months.

Reheat:

Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.


❤️ Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions is the kind of meal that never disappoints—bold, colorful, hearty, and bursting with Old-World Italian flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and impressive enough for company.

Print
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Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions: A Flavor-Packed Classic


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot), links or bulk
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, if using lean sausage)
• 1 large onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (to deglaze)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: hoagie rolls or crusty bread (for serving as sandwiches)


Instructions

  1. If using sausage links: prick them lightly with a fork. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage in a dry pan (or with a little oil) 6–8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and slice into 1-inch pieces.
    If using bulk sausage: Brown in the pan, breaking it apart. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add onion and bell peppers. Sauté 8–10 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
  3. Pour in broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Return sausage to the pan. Toss gently to combine and warm through (2–3 minutes).
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more pepper, salt, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for brightness.
  6. Serve hot:
    → As a main dish with mashed potatoes or pasta
    → Spooned into hoagie rolls for Italian Sausage Sandwiches
    → Over rice or polenta

Great with:
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
• A dollop of marinara sauce
• A cold beer or glass of Chianti

💡 Make ahead: Flavors deepen overnight—store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze. Reheat gently on the stove.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 25 mins , Total Time : 40 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 320 per serving , Net Carbs: 16g , Fats: 20g , Protein: 22g

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