Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. This recipe combines sweet Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a delicious meal that’s sure to please. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup Marsala wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Sausage:
- Add the Italian sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add Remaining Olive Oil:
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions:
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning:
- Add the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Wine
- Add Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Deglaze with Marsala Wine:
- Pour in the Marsala wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Diced Tomatoes and Sausage
- Add Diced Tomatoes:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return Sausage to Skillet:
- Nestle the browned sausages back into the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Fresh Basil:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions hot, either on their own, over pasta, or with crusty bread.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Sausage: Use sweet Italian sausage for a mild flavor or hot Italian sausage for a spicier version.
- Peppers: Mix and match different colored bell peppers for a more vibrant dish.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t have Marsala wine, chicken broth works as a great substitute.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving, making it perfect for meal prep.
Variations
Spicy Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
- Add Heat:
- Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Cheesy Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt before serving.
Veggie-Packed Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
- Add Veggies:
- Add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for a more substantial meal.
Serving Suggestions
With Pasta
- Pasta:
- Serve over cooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, for a complete meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Bread:
- Pair with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Over Polenta
- Polenta:
- Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting and hearty dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of sausage? A: Yes, you can use other types of sausage such as hot Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover sausage, peppers, and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of Marsala wine? A: Chicken broth is a great substitute for Marsala wine. You can also use white wine or red wine for different flavor profiles.
Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions is a classic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender sausages, sautéed vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your loved ones!
