Italian sausage stands out from other sausages due to its bold, packed-with-flavor profile. While there are many varieties available, the majority of them are infused with herbs and garlic, much like traditional Italian sausage recipes.
One of the benefits of using flavored Italian spicy sausage is that it already has a rich, savory flavor, so you don’t need to rely heavily on seasonings in your recipe. In fact, a judicious use of salt and pepper can go a long way in elevating the overall taste experience when working with these links.
Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage
Indulge in a hearty and comforting Instant Pot sausage pasta dish that’s surprisingly quick to prepare. This creamy Italian-inspired recipe boasts an abundance of flavors despite its short ingredient list.
Begin by cooking your sausage and onions with a hint of garlic powder and Italian seasoning until the onions are tender. Next, add spaghetti sauce, dry noodles, and broth to the pot, stirring well to combine.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, stir in some fresh spinach for added nutrition. Serve this easy pasta recipe alongside garlic toast for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Crock Pot Tortellini Soup
For a quick and satisfying meal, look no further than tortellini soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of small pasta pockets filled with savory goodness and coated in a rich tomato sauce is sure to hit the spot. To make this hearty soup, start by adding cooked sausage, garlic, and onions to your pot for added depth of flavor. Then, use a base of stock, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning as the foundation of your soup. Let everything simmer together until the flavors have melded beautifully, then add in your tortellini and cream cheese. Stir well and let the pasta warm through before serving, finishing it off with a sprinkle of parmesan for added elegance. And if you’re looking for more delicious soup ideas, be sure to check out our guide to authentic Mexican soups!
Italian Sausage and Fennel One Pan Pasta Dish
Combining fennel’s distinctive aroma with creamy pasta, this straightforward yet satisfying sausage dish is a delightful treat. To prepare it, cook the sausage first and set it aside for later. Then, sauté an onion, some fennel, and kale in the same skillet until they’re soft and fragrant. Next, add your preferred stock and noodles to the pan, cooking until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together. Finally, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in a generous amount of parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, creamy element to the dish, resulting in a truly mouthwatering sauce. For more inspiration for your Friday night dinners, explore our collection of ideas!
Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi
Transform your meal with this indulgent chicken sausage dish, where the flavors of buttery gnocchi, savory sausage, and sweet green peppers meld together in perfect harmony. To elevate your gnocchi game, take a cue from the French and brown it in a mixture of melted butter and olive oil once cooked. Next, cook your sausage and green pepper until they’re nicely caramelized. Then, combine the ingredients to craft a rich sauce that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. The magic happens when you mix together diced tomatoes, milk, and cheddar cheese – the creamy trio that adds depth and richness to your dish. To take it over the top, sprinkle with garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder for a flavor profile that’s equal parts familiar and exciting.
One Pan Sausage and Peaches with Potatoes
While sausage and peaches may seem like an unconventional pairing, they surprisingly harmonize beautifully. The natural sweetness of the peaches perfectly balances the savory flavor of Italian sausage, creating a delightful culinary combination.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
When it comes to appetizers, few options can compete with the savory delight that is sausage-stuffed mushrooms. The baby portobello and white varieties prove particularly well-suited for this dish, offering a tender canvas for the flavorful filling. To craft the filling, begin by cooking sausage, mushroom stems, and garlic until they’re nice and tender. A sprinkle of fresh sage and a splash of Marsala wine add a rich depth to the mixture, while cream cheese and parmesan bring everything together in a creamy, melty union. As the mushrooms bake, a crunchy topping – courtesy of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese – provides a satisfying textural contrast.
Italian Sausage Kale Soup
This seasonal soup is a delightful fusion of hearty ingredients, ideal for colder months. The foundation lies in Italian sausage, white beans, and an assortment of chunky vegetables. Canned tomatoes provide the base flavor, while onions, carrots, celery, and kale add a nutrient-dense dimension. Creamy cannellini beans lend a delectable texture to the dish. A crucial component is chicken bone broth, which infuses the soup with unparalleled flavor; plain chicken broth can be substituted if desired. Thyme, rosemary, and lemon bring a refreshing zest to this satisfying creation.
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Apple and Sausage
The delectable flavor of stuffed butternut squash is a masterclass in contrasts. The sweetness of the squash is beautifully balanced by the savory flavors of sausage, earthy mushrooms, and sweet apples. As you prepare your filling, allow the aroma of browning sausage to mingle with the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms, all infused with the subtle nuances of garlic, red onion, sage, and cinnamon. A sprinkle of crunchy walnuts adds a satisfying textural element. Once assembled, the filling is then reunited with its squash ‘shell’ and topped with a golden glaze of brown sugar, butter, and parmesan, creating a truly mouthwatering experience.
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Indulge in a savory twist on traditional lasagna with this hearty, comforting soup recipe. The secret to its rich flavor lies in the combination of caramelized sausage, onions, and garlic, which sets the stage for a flavorful broth infused with chicken stock, marinara sauce, and dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. As the soup simmers, you can’t help but be drawn in by the aroma of warm, comforting goodness.Just before serving, stir in a splash of heavy cream to add a luxurious touch, then top your soup with a delectable cheesy mixture crafted from ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, and parsley. This delightful combination will leave you craving another spoonful (or three).
Italian Stuffed Jalapenos
This recipe’s meaty and cheesy filling offers a perfect harmony to balance out the spiciness of the chili, making it an excellent choice for an appetizer. To create this delightful filling, start by cooking sausage, bell pepper, onion, and garlic until they’re tender. Then, combine the flavorful mixture with cream cheese and parmesan to bring everything together. Next, spoon the filling into halved jalapenos and top each one with a generous helping of mozzarella. Finally, bake the mini bites until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to please.
Baked Italian Sausage and Potatoes
Combine the simplicity of sheet pan cooking with the bold flavors of Italian cuisine by preparing a meal featuring juicy sausages, fluffy potatoes, and crisp green beans. The only additional ingredient required is a custom seasoning blend. Begin by whisking together rosemary, garlic powder, and kosher salt with olive oil. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly before giving them a brief cook in the oven. Next, add the Italian sausage and green beans to the pan. Allow the sausages to finish cooking and the potatoes to become tender. Finish off the dish by serving it with a zesty Dijon mustard sauce that adds a tangy contrast to each bite.
Sausage and Kale Farro
Indulge in a culinary delight with this straightforward yet flavorful recipe. The combination of farro and kale adds a significant nutritional boost to this hearty dish. Begin by browning your sausage in a pan, then add the farro, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Allow these ingredients to meld together before introducing white beans and kale. Stir briefly to combine, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan for added richness.
Classic Meatloaf with Sausage
Elevate a timeless meatloaf recipe by incorporating Italian sausage for an added depth of flavor. To keep it moist and bursting with freshness, incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, along with aromatic herbs such as garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Briefly cooking these ingredients allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
The perfect blend of vegetables is crucial in creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. To take it to the next level, combine the meatloaf mixture with bold flavors from Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. Create a mouthwatering glaze by combining brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup, allowing the sweet and tangy notes to complement each other perfectly.
Pasta with Mustard Greens and Sausage Orecchiette
The harmonious blend of sweet and bitter flavors creates a mouthwatering culinary experience. A medley of textures is achieved by combining tender pasta, caramelized onions, and sweet Italian sausage. The key to this delectable dish lies in its thoughtful preparation: cook the sausage and set it aside, then utilize the same pan to caramelize the onion, minced garlic, and mustard greens in a rich broth. Finally, combine the cooked elements with the pasta and reserved cooking water, stirring well to achieve a luscious and creamy sauce.
Italian Sausage Soup
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this white bean and sausage soup, a perfect blend of healthy, hearty, and tantalizing flavors. Boasting a speedy cooking time, it’s an ideal option for meal prep enthusiasts. The addition of spinach, carrots, and onion infuses a boost of veggie nutrition, while the ground sausage brings forth a satisfying meaty essence to complement the rich tomato base. Once you add in noodles and cannellini beans, allow them to cook until your pasta is tender. For more mouth-watering meat-centric dinner recipes, simply click here.
Ricotta Sausage Ziti
Indulge in the harmonious union of Italian sausage, pasta, cheese, and sauce. To add some extra nutrients, layer in sautéed squash, zucchini, and onion for a delightful surprise. Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions and setting it aside. Next, sizzle the sausage, onions, zucchini, and squash in a skillet until the mixture is savory and aromatic.Now, it’s time to assemble this culinary masterpiece. Begin with a layer of pasta sauce, followed by cooked noodles, the sausage mixture, and finally, a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh basil. The crowning glory is the golden-brown, bubbly mozzarella on top that will surely satisfy your cravings.As you’re enjoying this scrumptious dish, why not try pairing it with a refreshing zucchini stir-fry recipe? Perfect for utilizing an abundance of zucchini from your garden, this side dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
30-Minute Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Transform a few humble ingredients into a hearty, plant-based packed skillet meal that’s bursting with flavor! A medley of crunchy vegetables – cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots – provides a boost of nutrition. Start by cooking your Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned, then set it aside for later. Next, sauté some onion and garlic to release their aromatic goodness, before adding the rest of the veggies to join in on the flavorful fun. Finally, re-add the cooked sausage to the skillet and serve hot, ready to devour.
Instant Pot Creamy Italian Sausage and Shells
This rich sausage pasta is a breeze to prepare with the help of an Instant Pot. While there are multiple steps involved, the end result is well worth the effort. The process begins by sautéing mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and sausage in a pan until they’re nicely browned. Next, add white wine, broth, baby tomatoes, Italian herbs, and parsley to the mixture, stirring everything together thoroughly. With the flavors melding together, it’s time to add your pasta and spinach. A few minutes of cooking later, you’ll be left with a dish that’s almost ready to serve. The final touches involve stirring in cream, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and parmesan, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Breakfast Casserole
Imagine a breakfast dish that combines the best of Italian-inspired flavors with a satisfying casserole format. This recipe brings together the savory taste of Italian sausage, the richness of melted cheese, the comforting warmth of hash browns, and the creaminess of scrambled eggs. To create this mouthwatering masterpiece, start by cooking your Italian sausage in a skillet until browned and crispy. Next, add it to a large baking dish along with some shredded hash browns. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, beaten eggs, and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash browns, then season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to taste. Finally, pop the casserole in the oven and bake until everything is cooked through and firm in the center. To finish, garnish with some sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked Sausage and Peppers
This simple yet satisfying baked sausage and peppers recipe requires minimal prep time and few ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. To start, slice your sweet bell peppers and onions and arrange them in a baking pan. Next, place the Italian sausage evenly among the vegetables. In a separate bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful glaze. Drizzle this mixture over the sausage and peppers, then gently toss everything together. Finally, pop the dish in the oven until all the ingredients are cooked through and golden brown.
Roasted Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This mouthwatering dish shines with Italian sausage, roasted broccoli, and earthy mushrooms as the main attractions. To elevate the flavors of your broccoli and mushrooms, incorporate garlic-infused olive oil into the mix. Initially, bake your sausages and mushrooms for a brief period before introducing the broccoli to the equation.
As your sausage and veggies are baking, cook your noodles according to package instructions. Once everything is cooked to perfection, combine it all with a splash of pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. For an added burst of freshness, drizzle in some lemon juice for its bright, citrusy flavor.
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Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Soup
Instant Pot enthusiasts can rejoice as a wholesome and filling meal awaits. This hearty soup, packed with nutritious ingredients, owes its wholesome nature to the star of the show: lentils. The addition of an assortment of vegetables alongside juicy sausage creates a well-rounded meal that’s hard to resist.
Begin by cooking your sausage within the Instant Pot until browned. Next, add aromatics like garlic, onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot, allowing their flavors to meld with the simmering liquid. Canned tomatoes and chicken broth provide a rich foundation for this soup.
Once you’ve added these ingredients, it’s time to introduce the lentils – brown, dried ones to be exact. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning and oregano adds depth without overpowering the dish. When your soup has reached its peak tenderness, serve it hot in bowls and garnish with a generous helping of parmesan for an added burst of flavor.
Creamy Sausage Mushroom Pasta
Tender rigatoni noodles provide the ideal foundation for a rich Alfredo sauce that wraps around earthy mushrooms and savory sausage. The harmonious union begins by cooking the sausage in a large skillet, then setting it aside to make room for the sautéed onion, mushrooms, and garlic. This trifecta of flavors is infused with the essence of the sausage, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply divine.
As the aroma wafts through the air, whisk together heavy cream, parmesan, and fresh basil to create the velvety sauce. But what might seem like an unconventional addition – dried cherries – surprisingly adds a touch of sweetness that complements the dish beautifully.
Stracchino and Sausage Crostini
Indulge in the simplicity of crunchy crostini, perfect for satisfying your cravings as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation, requiring just two key ingredients to create a delectable topping. To start, remove the flavorful Italian sausage from its casing and blend it with stracchino, a tangy soft cheese that adds a delightful contrast of flavors. Next, spread the mixture generously over thick, crusty bread. Finally, bake until the sausage is cooked through and the cheese has melted into a golden, bubbly delight.
Italian-Style Shrimp and Grits
Indulge in a scrumptious Italian twist on traditional shrimp and grits with this effortless recipe. To begin, cook your sausage in a large skillet until it’s nicely browned, then set it aside for later. Next, sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes in the same skillet to create a flavorful foundation for your tomato-based shrimp sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer and soak up the rich flavors of the sausage, then add in your succulent shrimp to cook through. Meanwhile, prepare your creamy grits by combining polenta, milk, and a savory broth. Once your sausage and shrimp mixture is ready, serve it atop your warm, comforting grits for a satisfying meal.
Sausage Pasta Skillet Dinner
In this recipe, a mouthwatering combination of sausage, sauce, and noodles is cooked in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. While some ingredients are set aside to cook, it’s a worthwhile process that yields a satisfying meal. To start, sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic until tender, then set them aside. Next, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the cooked vegetables to the mixture. Meanwhile, cook sausage, tomato sauce, stock, and pasta in another part of the skillet. Add oregano, salt, and pepper for an extra boost of flavor. Once everything is fully cooked, combine the vegetables with the sausage mixture and stir well. Finally, garnish with basil and parmesan cheese for a visually appealing and delectable dish.
Orzo Soup with Sausage and Spinach
Blending the comforting warmth of chicken noodle soup with the hearty essence of minestrone, this unique soup recipe creates a truly satisfying meal. Italian sausage takes center stage, replacing traditional chicken, while orzo adds a delightful twist to the usual noodles. To start, cook the sausage in a Dutch oven and set it aside. Next, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots in the flavorful juices left behind by the sausage. Then, add chicken broth, cannellini beans, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. A pinch of thyme and rosemary adds a bright, herby note to the soup, rounding out its flavors. Finally, introduce the orzo near the end of the cooking time, allowing it to absorb the rich broth. Just before serving, stir in some fresh spinach for an added burst of color and nutrition.
One Pot Italian Sausage Farfalle Pasta
Within mere minutes, this delectable one-pot pasta dish can be on your table. The real magic happens with just a handful of ingredients, where the Italian sausage takes center stage and infuses the entire dish with an abundance of flavor. Start by browning the sausage briefly, then add in the mushrooms and let them cook until they’re tender as well. Next, pour in some water and add your pasta, allowing it to cook until it reaches a perfect tenderness. A burst of freshness comes from adding frozen peas during the final few minutes of cooking. Finally, stir in some parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving for a truly satisfying meal.
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
This mouthwatering dish takes center stage with its savory sausage and cheesy pasta, swimming in a rich and creamy tomato broth. The perfect harmony of flavors and textures awaits. To begin, cook your sausage in a Dutch oven until it’s golden brown, then set it aside. Next, sauté the aromatic onion and celery mixture, followed by the pungency of garlic. As the aromatics meld together, add the robust chicken broth, ripe tomatoes, and Italian seasoning blend for an added layer of depth. Reintroduce your sausage to the pot at this stage, allowing its flavors to infuse with the sauce. Once the sauce has reached a gentle simmer, introduce the al dente pasta, letting it cook until heated through. Finally, stir in heavy cream and spinach for a velvety finish. This delectable dinner idea is sure to impress, making it an excellent choice for your evening meal.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli
Savoring another delightful combination, this recipe brings together crispy gnocchi, roasted lemon-infused broccoli, and mild Italian sausage. The secret to achieving this mouthwatering dish lies in cooking the gnocchi and sausage on a sheet pan, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the savory juices from the sausage as it cooks. To add an extra layer of flavor, simply slice the broccoli into thin strips and toss with lemon zest before adding it to the pan. Once everything is cooked and golden, you’ll be left with a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Italian Sausage Macaroni and Cheese
Give your mac and cheese a hearty makeover by incorporating Italian sausage’s rich flavors. To start, cook the sausage and spinach in a skillet until they’re fully incorporated, then set them aside. Meanwhile, prepare your pasta according to package directions or cook it simultaneously with the sausage. Next, create the sauce by combining butter, cream, Fontina, and Pecorino cheese. Once the sauce has thickened, combine it with the cooked sausage and pasta. Finally, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, topping it with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture infused with butter. Bake until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbly. If you enjoy these sausage-centric recipes, be sure to explore our collection of kielbasa dishes for more delicious inspiration!