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This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions dish is a rustic, one-pan favorite packed with bold flavors. Juicy sausage links are seared and simmered with sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs, creating a savory blend that’s perfect over hoagie rolls, pasta, or polenta. It’s simple comfort food with real Italian-American roots.
Prep Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30–35 minutes
- Total time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan (with lid)
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs Italian sausage links (mild, hot, or mixed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced (or use any combo)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes
- Sausage: Pork Italian sausage is traditional, but you can use chicken or turkey sausage if preferred.
- Peppers: A mix of colors adds both visual appeal and flavor.
- Tomato paste: Optional, but gives a deeper, slightly sweet richness to the dish.
Instructions
🔥 1. Sear the Sausage
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage links and sear on all sides until browned (about 6–8 minutes total).
- Remove from pan and set aside (they will finish cooking later).
🫑 2. Cook Peppers and Onions
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the sliced peppers and onions over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
🍅 3. Simmer with Sausage
- Stir in tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Return sausages to the skillet and add ¼ cup water or broth.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 10–12 minutes, until sausages are cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
- Remove lid and simmer uncovered for a few minutes if you’d like to reduce the liquid slightly.
🌿 4. Finish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve over toasted hoagie rolls, pasta, mashed potatoes, or on its own with crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving, based on 5 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: ~800mg
(Will vary based on sausage type and portion size.)
Tips & Variations
✅ Tips
- Brown first, cook later: Browning sausages adds great flavor and color before finishing them in the simmer.
- Make it saucier: Add a 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes or marinara if you want it more like a sausage ragu.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish reheats well and is great for leftovers or lunches.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Sheet pan version: Roast sausages, peppers, and onions in the oven at 400°F for 30–35 minutes for a hands-off option.
- Add potatoes: Toss in cubed potatoes for a one-pan meal.
- Cheesy sausage subs: Add provolone or mozzarella over sausage and peppers in a roll, then broil until bubbly.
