Italian Sausage Peppers Onions

Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions is my go to one skillet dinner for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike The combination of sweet sausage bell peppers onions and fragrant Italian herbs brings all the cozy flavors of a trattoria right to your kitchen The best part is how quick it all comes together and how you can serve it up so many delicious ways

When I made this for my family during our last game night it disappeared faster than I could refill the bread basket Everyone kept sneaking bites straight from the pan

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and depth Use a fruity robust oil for the best flavor
• Sweet Italian sausage: The true star Try to get freshly made sausage from a good butcher if possible
• Bell peppers: Sliced for color and sweetness Red yellow or green work but I love using a mix
• Yellow onions: Sliced thinly for natural sweetness and melt in your mouth texture
• Kosher salt: Brings out the flavors and makes everything pop
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a peppery kick Always grind fresh if you can
• Italian seasoning: Lends that perfect herbaceous taste Dried blends work well just check the freshness
• Fresh basil leaves: Chopped leaves add brightness If basil looks perky and vibrant it is great
• Garlic cloves: Chopped for sharpness and aroma Choose firm fresh heads
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor Go for double concentrate if available
• Marsala wine or chicken broth: Marsala brings depth and a hint of sweetness Broth is a fine sub for a milder taste
• Canned diced tomatoes: Keeps the sauce chunky and hearty Opt for tomatoes with no added sugar or salt
• Salt to taste: Adjust at the end so the flavors balance out
• Red pepper flakes: Optional for gentle heat Start with a pinch and add more if you like it spicy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat Add the sausages and cook about seven to ten minutes turning until browned on all sides and nearly cooked through Remove sausage from pan and set aside to drain Carefully discard excess grease but keep a roughly even coating in the pan for flavor

Build the Flavor Base:

With the pan still at medium heat sprinkle in Italian seasoning and the chopped fresh basil Stir for about one minute until fragrant Add chopped garlic and cook another two minutes stirring constantly This step draws out the essential oils in the herbs and garlic filling your kitchen with aroma

Deglaze and Start the Sauce:

Pour Marsala wine or chicken broth into the pan scraping up any browned bits from the bottom Stir in tomato paste until it dissolves Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices Add red pepper flakes if you want some heat Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer stirring well so the sauce blends together

Add Peppers and Onions:

Add all the sliced bell peppers and onions to the sauce Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper Stir to coat the vegetables If the pan looks crowded don’t worry everything will soften and cook down

Simmer with Sausage:

Nestle the browned sausages back among the vegetables and sauce Reduce the heat to low Cover the skillet and let everything gently simmer about fifteen minutes until the sauce thickens and the veggies are tender Stir occasionally to coat the sausage with the sauce

Finish and Serve:

Taste for salt add more if needed Serve hot over mashed potatoes polenta pasta cauliflower rice or pile generously into hollowed hoagie rolls for classic sausage and pepper sandwiches

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One of my happiest memories of this dish is watching my kids decorate their hoagie rolls with extra basil and sneak bits of sausage while pretending to be Italian chefs Fresh basil is my absolute favorite part Its sweet aroma ties everything together

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce This dish also freezes well Just cool completely portion and freeze for up to three months

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap sweet Italian sausage for spicy or chicken sausage if you like more heat or a lighter option Bell peppers can be swapped with roasted red peppers for extra smokiness No Marsala wine No problem Chicken broth works great even a little white wine will add depth Fresh basil is best but flat leaf parsley will brighten things up in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

• Pile high on crusty hoagie rolls for a classic sub
• Serve over creamy polenta for comfort food bliss
• Spoon atop buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty plate
• Top spaghetti or fettuccine for an easy Italian dinner
• I even love it with cauliflower rice for a lighter take

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A Bite of Tradition

Dishes like sausage with peppers and onions have roots in Italian American kitchens where simple affordable ingredients were turned into hearty family meals The Marsala wine is a special nod to southern Italian techniques and was something my Nonna used when she wanted to make the meal feel festive

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?

Absolutely! Spicy sausage adds a kick and can be used in place of sweet or even mixed for a balanced flavor.

→ Which types of peppers work best?

Bell peppers in different colors add sweetness and color, but feel free to substitute with what you have on hand.

→ What can I substitute for Marsala wine?

Chicken or vegetable broth can be used in place of Marsala for a milder flavor or if you prefer to avoid alcohol.

→ How do I serve this dish?

Enjoy over pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or even as a hearty filling for toasted sub rolls.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ Are there gluten-free serving options?

Serve over cauliflower rice or gluten-free noodles for a delicious gluten-free meal.