Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce

Introduction

Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that combines savory, juicy sausage with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of robust flavors and tender textures, making it ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or hearty weeknight meals.

The aroma of sizzling sausage, peppers, and onions mingling with garlic and herbs is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile—it can be served on its own, over pasta, or inside a crusty sandwich roll.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The Italian sausage provides a savory, slightly spicy kick, while the peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch. The homemade or store-bought marinara sauce ties everything together with a perfect tangy, herby flavor.

It’s one of those meals that feels special but is easy to make, filling the kitchen with a comforting aroma that makes everyone gather around the table. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it in multiple ways, and it keeps well for leftovers without losing flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for all occasions.
• Combines savory sausage, sweet peppers, and flavorful marinara in one pan.
• Quick and easy to prepare yet looks and tastes like restaurant-quality.
• Highly versatile—serve over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich.
• Crowd-pleasing and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~450 calories per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Sausage and Peppers:

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For Serving:

• Pasta, rice, or sandwich rolls
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned; remove and slice.
2. Sauté peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. Return sausage to the pan and add marinara sauce.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Serve over pasta, rice, or in sandwich rolls, garnished with fresh herbs.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage links and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Remove sausages from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions

1. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil.
2. Add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine with Marinara Sauce

1. Slice browned sausages into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return sausages to the skillet with peppers and onions.
3. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine.
4. Add crushed red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, if using.

Step 4: Simmer

1. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or inside sandwich rolls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

How to Serve

• Over spaghetti or penne pasta with grated Parmesan.
• Inside crusty hoagie rolls for an Italian sausage sandwich.
• With steamed rice for a hearty meal.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Slice sausages after browning to keep them juicy.
• Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for color and sweetness.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the peppers before adding the sauce.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper.
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end.
• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients (except herbs) in a slow cooker and cook 4 hours on low.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or marinara if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. With juicy sausage, tender peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, it delivers a classic Italian-American flavor in every bite. Serve over pasta, rice, or in sandwich rolls for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress.

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce

Author: admin Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 450 calories per serving

Description

Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that combines savory, juicy sausage with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of robust flavors and tender textures, making it ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or hearty weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Sausage and Peppers:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For Serving:

• Pasta, rice, or sandwich rolls
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Sausage : Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage links and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove sausages from skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions : In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Combine with Marinara Sauce : Slice browned sausages into bite-sized pieces. Return sausages to the skillet with peppers and onions. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine. Add crushed red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, if using.
4. Step 4: Simmer : Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Serve : Serve hot over pasta, rice, or inside sandwich rolls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Keywords: Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce