10+ Italian Sausage Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals

Italian sausage is a flavorful ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. With its rich taste and versatility, it can be used in everything from pasta to savory bakes.

You’ll discover that Italian sausage can easily elevate any meal you prepare.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, there are countless ways to incorporate this delicious sausage into your cooking. From simple weeknight dinners to impressive recipes for gatherings, you’ll find something you’ll love.

1) Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers

This dish is simple and full of flavor. You will love the combination of juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty weekend treat.

Start by cooking the sausage until it’s browned. Then, add sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. Let them cook until they soften and blend together. A splash of tomato sauce can enhance the flavor.

Serve this dish on its own or in a sandwich. It’s versatile and satisfying for everyone.

Ingredients

• 4 Italian sausages (hot or sweet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sausages and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Remove the sausages and slice them.
4. In the same pan, add bell peppers and onions.
5. Sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
6. Return the sausage to the pan and stir in tomato sauce.
7. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat and serve.

2) Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is a delightful meal that combines pasta and sausage in a rich sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is easy to prepare.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until al dente. While it cooks, brown some Italian sausage in a pan. Then, mix the sausage with cream, cheese, and seasonings for a tasty sauce.

Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This comforting dish will surely please your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) penne pasta
• 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage
• 1 cup (150 g) onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces (800 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until soft.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and salt.
6. Combine the pasta with the sausage mixture in a baking dish.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

3) Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

This hearty Italian sausage soup is a warm and comforting meal. It combines flavorful Italian sausage with a mix of fresh vegetables and beans. You’ll find it satisfying on a chilly evening.

Start by cooking the sausage in a pot until it’s browned. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they’re soft. Then toss in garlic for extra flavor.

Next, pour in chicken broth and add beans, spinach, and pasta. Let it simmer until everything is tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup pasta (such as rotini)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot.
2. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add the white beans.
5. Add spinach and pasta, then simmer until pasta is tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

4) One-Pan Italian Sausage Skillet

The One-Pan Italian Sausage Skillet is a simple and tasty meal. It combines sausage, peppers, and onions in one easy dish. You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by heating the pan and cooking the sausage until browned. Next, add sliced peppers and onions. This brings out their sweet flavors. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients evenly.

You can season with your favorite herbs and spices. Italian seasoning works great here. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy the delicious mix of flavors. It’s a fun and quick way to enjoy Italian sausage.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in sliced peppers and onions. Cook until soft.
4. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot. Enjoy!

5) Zesty Italian Sausage Pizza

Zesty Italian sausage pizza brings bold flavors to your table. With a crispy crust and delicious toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Start with pizza dough as your base. Spread a layer of marinara sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese. Add slices of zesty Italian sausage for that extra kick.

You can enhance the taste with pepperoni or olives if you like. Bake it in the oven at 475°F (245°C) until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 pound zesty Italian sausage, cooked and sliced
• Optional toppings: pepperoni, olives

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Add the cooked Italian sausage slices.
6. Add any optional toppings if desired.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melty.

6) Italian Sausage-Stuffed Peppers

Italian sausage-stuffed peppers make a delicious and satisfying dish. You can customize them with your favorite flavors. These peppers are filled with savory sausage, cheese, and spices, giving you a hearty meal.

To prepare, start by choosing large bell peppers. You can use red, orange, or yellow ones for a colorful plate. After cooking the sausage, mix it with cooked rice, cheese, and herbs.

Next, stuff the mixture into the peppers. Top with more cheese for extra flavor. Bake the peppers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender and the cheese is melted.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a pan, cook the sausage until browned.
4. Mix cooked sausage with rice, cheese, and herbs.
5. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and top with more cheese.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until peppers are tender.

7) Spicy Italian Sausage Risotto

Spicy Italian sausage risotto is a warm and comforting dish. It combines creamy Arborio rice with flavorful sausage and spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner.

For this dish, you will sauté the sausage, garlic, and shallots. Then, you slowly add broth to the rice, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. Finish with some grated cheese for richness.

You can serve this risotto with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 Italian hot sausages, casings removed
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup Pecorino cheese, grated
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it in the sausage mixture.
5. Gradually add the broth, stirring until the rice is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Stir in the grated Pecorino cheese before serving.

8) Italian Sausage and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Italian sausage and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal. It brings together savory sausage and fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight.

To make this stir-fry, you’ll need colorful bell peppers, onions, and Italian sausage. You can add garlic for extra flavor. The dish cooks quickly in one pan, making cleanup easy.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan. Next, add the sausage, cooking until it’s browned. Then, toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry everything until the veggies are tender.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the onion and bell peppers; cook until the veggies are tender.
4. Optional: Add garlic and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot!

9) Savory Italian Sausage Lasagna

Making a savory Italian sausage lasagna is rewarding and delicious. You start with layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful Italian sausage. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Begin by cooking the sausage, crumbling it into a skillet until brown. Then, mix it with marinara sauce for extra flavor. Assembling the lasagna is easy: layer noodles, cheese, and meat sauce.

You can use ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the cheese layers. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet until brown, then drain excess fat.
3. Mix the sausage with marinara sauce in a bowl.
4. In a baking dish, spread some sauce.
5. Layer noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce.
6. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

10) Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Grilled Italian sausage sandwiches are a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. You can serve them with peppers and onions for added flavor. They make a great dish for barbecues or family gatherings.

To start, you’ll need quality Italian sausages. Grilling them gives a nice char and enhances their juicy flavor. Pair the sausages with toasted buns to hold everything together.

You can top your sandwich with giardiniera relish for a unique twist. This adds a crunchy texture and tangy taste that complements the sausage perfectly.

Ingredients

• 4 links of hot Italian sausage
• 1 red bell pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 small onion, cut in half
• 4 sandwich buns
• Giardiniera relish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Grill sausages for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
3. Add bell pepper and onion to the grill; cook until tender.
4. Toast the buns on the grill for a minute.
5. Assemble sandwiches with sausage, peppers, and onions. Add giardiniera if desired.
6. Enjoy!