Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions

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

1. Heat Olive Oil:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. 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

1. Add Remaining Olive Oil:
   • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. Add Tomato Paste:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
2. 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

1. Add Diced Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Return Sausage to Skillet:
   • Nestle the browned sausages back into the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

1. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Add Fresh Basil:
   • Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. 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!