Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Is there anything better than the sizzle of Italian sausage cooking in a pan, surrounded by colorful peppers and sweet onions? This easy and incredibly flavorful dish brings together bold flavors, tender veggies, and juicy sausage for a meal that’s quick to make but anything but boring! Whether you’re serving it up as a hearty main course or tucking it into a hoagie roll for an epic sandwich, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold & Savory Flavors: The combination of sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlicky sausage makes for a delicious, well-balanced bite every time.
Versatile Meal: You can serve it as is, pair it with pasta, or stuff it into a sandwich roll—this dish is flexible!
Quick and Easy: It’s ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

What Does Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Taste Like?

Imagine biting into savory sausage with crispy edges, bursting with flavors of oregano, basil, and garlic, while the soft, caramelized onions and sweet peppers add a delicate sweetness. The red pepper flakes give just the right amount of heat, and a splash of chicken broth brings everything together, making each bite juicy and satisfying. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a punch of Mediterranean flair!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll be working with for this crowd-pleasing meal:

1 lb Italian sausage (feel free to substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option)
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 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth (to add moisture and flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Hoagie rolls or Italian bread (optional for serving)

How to Make Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook them until they’re browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the veggies are softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Season Everything

Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the spices cook into the veggies for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Sausage

Return the browned sausages to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve as is, or make it into a sandwich by tucking the sausage and peppers into hoagie rolls or Italian bread. The choice is yours!

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

Roasted potatoes: Crispy, golden potatoes make the perfect side.
Fresh salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the sausage.
Pasta: Mix the sausage and veggies into some cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.
Garlic bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread completes the experience!

Tips for the Best Italian Sausage and Peppers

Use high-quality sausage: Whether it’s pork, chicken, or turkey sausage, using a high-quality brand will really elevate the dish.
Add balsamic vinegar: For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar when you add the chicken broth.
Make it spicy: If you love heat, don’t skimp on the red pepper flakes—or even add sliced hot cherry peppers for a fiery kick!
Prep ahead: This meal is perfect for meal prep. You can make the sausage and veggies ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the sausage and peppers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can use chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version of this recipe.

What kind of bread works best for sandwiches?

Hoagie rolls or crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the sausage and peppers.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Absolutely! If you’re serving this in a sandwich, add some melted provolone or mozzarella for extra indulgence.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply omit the bread, or use gluten-free rolls. Make sure the sausage you’re using is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it up as a main course or tucking it into a warm hoagie roll, Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Craving more easy, flavor-packed dishes? Check out some of my other favorites:

If you make this dish, don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see how it turns out for you.