Peppers and Onions with Italian Sausage – A Hearty and Flavorful Classic

Peppers and Onions with Italian Sausage – A Hearty and Flavorful Classic

Summary

Peppers and onions with Italian sausage is a classic, rustic dish that’s packed with bold flavors. Juicy, savory Italian sausages are seared to perfection, then simmered with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This dish can be served in various ways—over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a standalone meal with crusty bread. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~450 kcal

Courses:

• Main Course
• Dinner

Cuisine:

• Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Sausage and Peppers:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links (mild, sweet, or spicy)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or red wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty Italian bread
• Cooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• Hoagie rolls for sandwiches

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausages

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausages and sear on each side until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
3. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.