Are you ready for a whirlwind of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? This **Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe** is a vibrant symphony of savory sausage and fresh, crisp bell peppers, all bound together in a delightful medley that can be enjoyed any night of the week. It’s a quick and fabulous way to experience the authentic taste of Italian home cooking, all while being incredibly simple to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian sausage and colorful peppers creates a taste that bursts in your mouth.
- Versatile Pairing: Goes beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or even on its own for a hearty, low-carb meal.
- Healthy and Colorful: Packed with vibrant vegetables for a nutritious, guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Unleash the magic of simple, fresh ingredients with this recipe. Each element is carefully chosen to enhance the overall flavor and visual appeal of the dish, turning everyday staples into a celebratory feast.
- Olive Oil: Acts as the perfect cooking medium, adding a subtle richness that complements the savory sausage.
- Italian Sausage: The star of the show, delivering a punch of flavor with each bite.
- Assorted Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange peppers not only add color but also a sweet balance to the spicy sausage.
- Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics that form the foundational taste of this dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, but feel free to substitute with a splash of red wine for extra flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil bring a fresh, herbaceous finish that ties everything together.
Variations
This **Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe** is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or taste preferences. Feel free to make it your own!
- Spicy Variation: Swap standard sausage for a spicy variety to ramp up the heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian sausage alternatives and vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
- Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for a rich, cheesy finish.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links, browning them for about 2 minutes on each side. This step ensures the flavors deepen without completely cooking through the sausage just yet.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Remove the sausages and set them aside. Add sliced onions to the same skillet, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the bell peppers and garlic next, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweetness.
Step 3: Simmer Together
Introduce the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping any delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Return the sausages to the skillet, lower the heat, and cover. Let it all simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Final Touches
Uncover, increase the heat slightly, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the liquid evaporates fully and the sausages are cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving. Bon appétit!
Pro Tips for Making Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Pan Temperature Precision: Ensure your pan is hot but not smoking before adding the sausages to achieve a good sear.
- Veggie Slices: Slice your onions and peppers evenly to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Herb Timing: Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their fragrance and vibrant color.
- Broth Choice: Opt for low sodium broth if you want more control over seasoning.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of flair, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley for a pop of green. The cheese not only adds richness but also enhances the Italian essence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or even a simple side salad for a lighter meal. Garlic bread is also a perfect complement, ready to soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
To create an unforgettable dining experience, consider serving this dish family-style in a large, rustic, wooden bowl. Alternatively, for a more elegant touch, plate individually with a generous sprinkle of chopped herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen for up to a month. Simply allow it to cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary, until fully warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for two minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of sausages?
Absolutely! You can mix and match sausages to suit your taste. Spicy, sweet, or even turkey sausages can be great options.
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What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, beef broth, or even water blended with some bouillon.
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How do I make it less spicy?
To reduce spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely or replace them with a milder spice like paprika.
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Can the dish be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in a slow cooker and let them cook on low for 4–6 hours for an effortless meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the comfort and joy that Italian cuisine brings with this delightful **Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe**. It’s a dish that’s quick to put together yet packed with robust flavors, perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and indulge in its heartwarming taste!
Print
Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe features flavorful sausage simmered with colorful peppers and onions, infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal, it combines savory, spicy, and aromatic elements in a dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 cup white onion sliced
- 1 cup red onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper sliced
- 3 garlic cloves sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or red wine)
Herbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned, but not fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into rounds, and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the bell peppers, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor. Return the sliced sausages to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover and reduce heat to medium, simmering for 10 minutes until the sausage is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Uncover the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and cook for an additional 3 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute red wine for chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- For a lower salt option, reduce the added kosher salt or use low-sodium broth.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.
- Make sure to slice the sausages after cooking to ensure they are all heated evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
