5 Best Italian Sausage Recipes

delicious italian sausage dishes

If you love Italian sausage as much as I do, you're in for a treat! These five recipes are not just delicious; they're super easy to whip up, too. From a cheesy pasta bake to spicy sausage and peppers, each dish brings its own mouthwatering twist. Plus, who doesn't love a one-pan meal that cuts down on cleanup? Trust me, you'll want to stick around to uncover the flavors that'll have everyone asking for seconds!

Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with tender pasta, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this pasta bake is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or cheese.

With just a few key ingredients, you'll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well.

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor and nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms into the sausage mixture.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique twist.

If you're short on time, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

Enjoy your Italian Sausage Pasta Bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

savory sausage with peppers

Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This hearty meal showcases the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage paired with colorful bell peppers and onions, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.

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With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this comforting dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Return the sausage to the skillet, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.

Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the sausage and before adding the vegetables. This will help lift the browned bits off the bottom of the pan, enhancing the complete taste of the dish.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms, or adjusting the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot sausage. Serve this dish over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Creamy Italian Sausage Risotto

Creamy Italian Sausage Risotto is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy texture of arborio rice. This indulgent meal is perfect for a cozy night in or as a special treat for friends and family.

The dish isn't only satisfying but also allows for customization with your choice of vegetables and herbs, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 2 Italian sausages, casings removed
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until translucent.

Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms are tender.

Next, crumble in the Italian sausage and cook until browned.

Stir in the arborio rice, allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes.

Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.

Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, which should take about 18-20 minutes.

Stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after toasting the rice, allowing it to evaporate before adding the broth.

If you prefer a heartier dish, you can mix in other vegetables such as peas or bell peppers.

Risotto should be served immediately for the best texture, but if you need to save some for later, reheat it with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Remember to stir frequently while cooking to help release the starches in the rice, which is key to achieving that signature creamy consistency.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Italian Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers

sausage filled bell pepper dish

Italian Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and hearty meal that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the freshness of bell peppers. This dish isn't only colorful and visually appealing but also customizable to suit your taste preferences.

It's perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, providing a satisfying and filling option that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds and membranes.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.

Stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Once everything is well combined, fill each bell pepper with the sausage mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.

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Top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped spinach or mushrooms with the sausage filling.

You can also substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture and taste. If you prefer a milder dish, choose sweet Italian sausage and add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to improve the flavors.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated easily, making this dish a great option for meal prep!

One-Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies

One-Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies is a delicious and convenient dish that brings together the bold flavors of Italian sausage and a medley of colorful vegetables, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy sausage, roasted bell peppers, onions, and zucchini creates a satisfying and nutritious dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish or sheet pan, arrange the Italian sausage links in the center. Surround the sausage with the sliced bell peppers, onion, and zucchini. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Toss the vegetables gently to confirm they're well-coated. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring halfway through for even cooking.

Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and spicy Italian sausage to tailor the heat level to your liking.

You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as adding cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or eggplant.

If you want to make this dish even heartier, serve it over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days and can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.


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