Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions
Juicy Italian sausage is browned until deliciously golden and flavorful.Colorful bell peppers are sliced into tender, savory pieces.Sweet onions slowly caramelize and complement the sausage beautifully.Garlic and Italian herbs add aromatic Mediterranean flavor.A light tomato sauce brings everything together in the skillet.Serve hot as a sandwich, over pasta, with polenta, or alongside crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Sausage and Vegetables
- 1½ pounds Italian sausage, sweet or mild
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional
For Serving
- Crusty Italian bread or hoagie rolls
- Cooked pasta
- Creamy polenta
- Steamed rice
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin, even strips. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. If using sausage links, leave them whole initially so they can brown nicely before being sliced.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop golden edges.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 30–60 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Return the sliced sausage to the skillet. Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately in toasted Italian rolls, over pasta or polenta, or alongside crusty bread.
Notes
- Sweet Italian sausage works wonderfully for a mild and family-friendly version.
- Hot Italian sausage can be used when you prefer more spice.
- A combination of red, yellow, and green peppers creates beautiful color and varied flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the sausage.
- Allowing the onions to cook slowly helps bring out their natural sweetness.
- Tomato sauce is optional but adds moisture and richness.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth or water.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.