This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the essence of Italian comfort food straight to your table. Sweet Italian sausage is seared to perfection and then simmered with colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a rich Marsala wine tomato sauce. This versatile dish can be served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or even stuffed in a crusty sandwich roll. It’s a delightful meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress guests.
Whenever I make this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions, it feels like a celebration at home. My husband always lights up when he smells the rich aroma of garlic and peppers sizzling on the stove. It’s one of those meals where everyone huddles around the kitchen, waiting to steal a bite straight from the skillet! The flavors remind me of special Italian dinners we’ve shared in cozy little restaurants, but now we get to enjoy it in the comfort of our home. My kids love it served over buttery mashed potatoes, while my husband insists on a hoagie sandwich—it’s become a fun family debate that only adds to the magic of this meal!
Why This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and Marsala wine creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or stuffed in a hoagie roll, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, making it easy to cook and even easier to clean up.
- Hearty & Comforting: The tender vegetables combined with the robust sausage make this a filling, heartwarming meal that the whole family will love.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its simplicity, the dish looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant!
Ingredients:
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra-virgin olive oil
- 450 g (1 lb) sweet Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (about 300 g / 10.6 oz)
- 2 yellow onions, sliced (about 300 g / 10.6 oz)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped (about 12 g / 0.4 oz)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (about 30 g / 1 oz)
- 240 ml (1 cup) Marsala wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook until they are browned on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside to drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Keeping the skillet over medium heat, add the Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and chopped garlic. Stir for about 2 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in the Marsala wine (or chicken broth) and stir, loosening any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir until the sauce begins to come together. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow the dish to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the sausages and vegetables over your choice of mashed potatoes, noodles, or polenta. Alternatively, if making sandwiches, hollow out the bottom of a hoagie roll and fill it with the sausage mixture for a delicious handheld meal.
Notes:
- Substitution for Marsala Wine: If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, chicken broth makes a great substitute that still adds depth to the sauce.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor, or even add some mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Make It Spicier: For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal to prepare ahead and reheat later.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over pasta or polenta for a comforting dinner, or try filling a hoagie roll for a fun sandwich version that’s perfect for a casual lunch!