Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions is a classic Italian-American dish that’s bursting with flavor and hearty ingredients. This recipe combines savory sweet Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs and spices. Simmered in Marsala wine and diced tomatoes, the dish develops a rich and robust sauce that perfectly complements the tender sausage and vegetables. Whether served over mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta, or stuffed into hoagie rolls for a satisfying sandwich, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup Marsala wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions:

1. Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet Italian sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and drain excess grease.
2. Prepare Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, retaining some oil, add Italian seasoning, basil, and chopped garlic. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze Pan: Pour in Marsala wine (or chicken broth), diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in optional red pepper flakes, if using.
4. Add Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: This dish can be served over mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta, or cauliflower rice. Alternatively, for a sandwich option, split hoagie rolls, hollow out the bottom halves, and fill with the sausage mixture.

Tips:

• Use sweet Italian sausage for a mild flavor or opt for hot Italian sausage if you prefer some heat.
• For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with Marsala wine. However, chicken broth can be used as a substitute if preferred.
• Customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini.
• Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.