Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe

Sizzling Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe for Dinner Joy

Craving a hearty italian sausage skillet that bursts with flavor and comfort?

Robust links mingle beautifully with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions in this classic dish.

Rustic ingredients promise a meal that feels like a warm Italian embrace.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such a satisfying combination.

Sautéed peppers and onions develop a rich, golden color that complements the savory sausage perfectly.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Why Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Are a Crowd Favorite

  • Savor Hearty Flavors: A one-skillet wonder packed with rich, bold Italian sausage and caramelized bell peppers and onions that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal preparation steps and using a single skillet make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, and serving with various side dishes like pasta, rice, or crusty bread to suit different preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A versatile dish that appeals to both family dinners and casual gatherings, offering satisfying flavors that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Meat:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the main component of this classic dish.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Fresh vegetables that provide sweetness, color, and a robust base for the sausage.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Traditional Italian herbs that contribute a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a final touch of color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Step 1: Sear The Sausages

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the Italian sausages and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides. This process will take about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausages to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Caramelize Vegetables

In the same skillet with remaining oil and sausage drippings, add:
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Sliced onions

Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and develop a beautiful caramel-like color. This typically takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Aromatics

Sprinkle in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Return the seared sausages to the skillet, nestling them on top of the vegetable mixture. Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately with crusty bread or your favorite pasta for a delightful meal.

Helpful Tips for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

  • Select high-quality Italian sausages for maximum flavor and juiciness in your dish.
  • Slice bell peppers and onions evenly to ensure uniform cooking and caramelization.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and enhanced flavor development.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance for personalized heat levels.
  • Check sausage internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat.

Creative Variations for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and mint for a bright, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.
  • Spicy Chorizo Swap: Substitute Italian sausage with spicy Spanish chorizo to create a bolder, more intense heat and deeper smoky undertones.
  • Wine-Braised Edition: Deglaze the skillet with white wine before adding vegetables, creating a rich pan sauce that enhances the overall depth of flavors.
  • Sheet Pan Simplicity: Transfer all ingredients to a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and roast together for an easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.

Suggested Pairings for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

  • Elevate Italian Sausage Harmony: Pair with robust red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese that complement the spicy, savory sausage notes.
  • Wine-Soaked Bread Delight: Serve with crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious pan juices and add textural contrast to the dish.
  • Mediterranean Salad Companion: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sausage and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
  • Craft Beer Celebration: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the bold flavors of the Italian sausage and bring out the dish's hearty, rustic character.

Proper Storage Advice for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled sausage mixture to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
  • Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with bratwurst, chorizo, or chicken sausage for variety while maintaining a similar cooking method.

  • How spicy will this dish be?

The recipe uses optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level by adding more or less, or omitting them completely for a milder version.

  • Do I need a special type of skillet?

An oven-safe skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best, but if you don’t have one, you can transfer ingredients to a baking dish before putting in the oven.

  • Is this dish considered healthy?

This recipe offers a balanced meal with protein from sausage and nutrients from bell peppers and onions, though it’s moderately high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation.

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Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 33-42 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Italian sausage sizzles with sweet peppers and caramelized onions in this classic comfort dish. Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, you’ll savor each bite of this rustic, soul-warming meal straight from Italy’s culinary heart.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or hot)

Vegetables:

  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then carefully brown Italian sausages on all surfaces until golden, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer sausages to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring periodically until vegetables become tender and develop a light caramelized exterior, around 8-10 minutes.
  4. Introduce minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the vegetable mixture. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
  5. Nestle the previously browned sausages atop the pepper and onion mixture within the skillet.
  6. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, ensuring sausages reach an internal temperature of 160F (71C) for safe consumption.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for added color and herbaceous notes. Serve alongside crusty bread or pasta to complete the meal.

Notes

  • Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage based on personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for different taste buds.
  • Consider using chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that maintains delicious flavor profile.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the aromatic complexity of the meal.
  • Prep Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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