How to Make Zesty Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Simple Summary

A classic Italian-American favorite, this hearty dish combines savory Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage links
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the Italian sausage links to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

6. Return the sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Chef's Notes

• For a healthier option, you can use turkey or chicken Italian sausage instead of pork.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or white wine when you add the tomatoes.
• To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper with the bell peppers.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• For a complete meal, serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 35g (mostly from the sausage and olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Vitamin C: 200% of daily value (from bell peppers)
• Iron: 15% of daily value

This dish is rich in protein and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, particularly vitamin C from the bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of cooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, for a classic Italian-American meal.
• For a low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Pair with a side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
• Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For beverages, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors nicely.
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra pop of flavor and color.