If there’s one dish that instantly transports you to an Italian countryside, it’s the irresistible Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe. Packed with vibrant colors and robust flavors, this dish is both a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: With a perfect blend of spices and fresh herbs, each bite offers a taste explosion.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Perfect as a standalone dish or as a filling for sandwiches, the possibilities are endless.
- Colorful and Nutritious: A vibrant medley of peppers not only adds color but also packs in nutrients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of the Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe. Each ingredient adds its unique flair, making the dish a true celebration of flavors.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Italian Sausage: Choose a top-quality sausage for a robust, authentic taste.
- Variety of Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange peppers add not only color but a slight sweetness.
- Onions: Both white and red onions contribute a sweet and tangy depth.
- Garlic: Sliced to release full flavor, garlic complements the hearty sausage perfectly.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, this is your secret weapon.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and complexity, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Basil): Perfect finishers that add freshness and aroma.
Variations
This Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is all about flexibility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Switch the Protein: Swap the sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Go Meatless: Use chopped mushrooms or tofu as a vegetarian alternative.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or other spicy peppers to increase the heat.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, making sure it’s hot enough to sizzle. Add the sausage links and brown them for about two minutes on each side. Remember, we’re looking for a nice sear here, not to cook them completely through just yet.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Transfer the sausages to a cutting board to cool slightly, then slice them up. In the same skillet, add the onions, and cook for a couple of minutes until they’re tender. Introduce the sliced bell peppers, stirring constantly, and allow them to become slightly tender.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Sprinkle in the garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let these wonderful spices mingle with the veggies. The aroma will be enticing! Pour in the chicken broth, and scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift those delicious brown bits.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Return the sausage slices to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the lid, increase the heat, and cook until the liquid evaporates, leaving a flavorful glaze. Garnish with parsley and basil before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Perfect Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot before browning the sausages to lock in juices.
- Veggie Prep: Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Flavor Building: Scrape the brown bits for added depth and richness in the sauce.
- Herb Timing: Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their vibrant flavor intact.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some extra basil leaves make for a perfect garnish. The cheese adds a salty depth, while the basil brightens the dish with its aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of buttery garlic bread or a simple spaghetti aglio e olio. A fresh green salad also complements the rich flavors while offering a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve the sausage and peppers in a bread bowl or over a bed of creamy polenta. This adds an additional layer of texture and turns it into a cozy meal perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the cooled sausage and peppers in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze in portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick meal on those busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the sausage and peppers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to restore the saucy consistency.
FAQs
-
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when needed. The flavors meld together even more when rested.
-
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you’re on a special diet or simply out of chicken broth, feel free to use vegetable broth or even a splash of dry white wine for added depth.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Be sure to use gluten-free sausage and check your chicken broth for any gluten-containing ingredients to keep this recipe gluten-free.
-
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more red pepper flakes or incorporate finely chopped chili peppers.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is not just quick and delightful; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. I truly hope you try it, and I’m sure it will become a beloved dish in your kitchen. Buon appetito!
Print
Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe combines flavorful sausage with colorful bell peppers and onions, simmered in a savory broth to create a hearty and delicious dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. The quick sauté and simmering method preserves the vibrant flavors and tender textures, making it a satisfying meal served with crusty bread or over pasta.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 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
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn brown, but do not cook through. Remove from skillet, place on a cutting board, and slice into medallions.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, add the sliced bell peppers, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften.
- Add Broth and Scrape: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a spatula to deglaze and release all the flavorful browned bits.
- Simmer the Sausage: Return the sliced sausage to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sausage to cook through.
- Reduce Liquid and Finish: Uncover the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for another 3 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated, leaving a flavorful sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute red wine for chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- This dish can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- For gluten-free, ensure the sausage and broth are gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1⅓ cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
