ITALIAN SAUSAGE WITH PEPPERS AND ONIONS

This classic Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions recipe is a total crowd-pleaser — hearty, colorful, and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, pasta, or served over rice or polenta.

Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds Italian sausage links (sweet, mild, or hot — your choice)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, sliced (yellow or sweet onion works great)

• 3 bell peppers, sliced (use red, yellow, and green for color)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

• ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (optional, for a saucier version)

• ¼ cup chicken broth or water

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

   • Add sausage links and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet).

   • Remove sausages from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the veggies:

   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil.

   • Add sliced onions and bell peppers.

   • Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

   • Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until softened and slightly caramelized.

3. Add garlic and liquids:

   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Pour in tomato sauce (if using), chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well.

4. Simmer everything together:

   • Slice sausages into halves or thirds (optional) and return them to the pan.

   • Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until sausages are fully cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Finish and serve:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

 Over pasta: Toss with cooked penne or spaghetti for a full meal.
 On a sandwich: Serve in toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone or mozzarella.
 With grains: Serve over rice, quinoa, or polenta for a hearty bowl.
 Low-carb option: Pair with sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

Tips & Variations

• Use hot Italian sausage for spice or sweet sausage for a milder flavor.

• Add a splash of red wine instead of broth for richness.

• For extra sweetness, throw in a few roasted cherry tomatoes.

• Make it sheet-pan style: Roast everything in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes for easy cleanup.

This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is classic, cozy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day sandwiches