10+ Italian Sausage Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Italian sausage recipes bring bold flavors straight to your table. You can toss these sausages into all sorts of dishes, from easy pasta bowls to loaded sandwiches.

If you’re looking for a savory, spicy twist on your regular meals, these recipes might be just what you need.

Whether you’re whipping something up after work or taking your time on the weekend, Italian sausage fits right in. There are so many ways to enjoy it—pair it with peppers, onions, or bake it into a casserole.

Trying out different recipes can lead you to new favorites. Sometimes, the simplest combos end up being the best.

1) Homemade Italian Sausage with Fennel and Garlic

Making your own Italian sausage at home is actually pretty straightforward. You just mix ground pork with fennel seeds and garlic—these two really make that classic flavor pop.

If you want some heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. A splash of white wine keeps things juicy and adds a bit of depth.

Once you’ve mixed everything, shape it into links or patties. Cooking them slowly lets the flavors develop and keeps them from drying out.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix with your hands until well blended.
3. Shape into links or patties.
4. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning often, until fully cooked (160°F/71°C).

2) Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

This dish is fast and comforting—just what you want after a long day. Cook your sausage, then stir up a creamy sauce with parmesan.

Penne works, but honestly, any pasta shape will do the trick. Toss in spinach or roasted red peppers if you want more color and flavor.

The sauce is rich but not too heavy, blending cream, garlic, and cheese. That mix with the sausage? Super satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup spinach or roasted red peppers (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Brown the sausage until fully cooked. Remove from pan.
4. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Return sausage to the pan and add spinach or peppers. Cook for 2 minutes.
8. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Mix well and serve warm.

You can find more detailed steps in the creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe at The Salty Marshmallow.

3) Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Hoagie

This hoagie is a go-to for anyone craving a classic Italian sandwich. Cook up Italian sausages with bell peppers and onions until they’re soft and full of flavor.

Grill or pan-fry the sausages—either way, it works. Sauté sliced peppers and onions until they’re sweet and tender, then pile everything inside a toasted hoagie roll.

Want to make it extra gooey? Melt some cheese on top. Lunch or dinner, this sandwich totally hits the spot.

Ingredients

• 8 Italian sausages
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 4 yellow onions, sliced
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or pan over medium heat.
2. Cook sausages about 15 minutes, turning often until fully cooked.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add sliced peppers and onions, cook 10-12 minutes until soft.
5. Slice sausages and combine with peppers and onions.
6. Toast hoagie rolls lightly.
7. Fill rolls with the sausage and pepper mixture.
8. Add cheese if using, and serve warm.

For a full recipe, check Grilled Sausage and Peppers Hoagie Recipe.

4) Italian Sausage and Potato Skillet

This Italian sausage and potato skillet is a one-pan wonder. Brown the sausage first, then add potatoes and onions.

The potatoes get crispy and golden, soaking up all that sausage flavor. If you like, toss in some bell peppers for extra color.

You can use sweet sausage for a milder dish, or spicy if you want a little heat. This meal is hearty, especially with a side salad or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook sausage until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. Add potatoes and onions to the skillet; cook 10-15 minutes until tender.
4. Add bell pepper and cooked sausage back to the pan.
5. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

For variations and detailed tips, check the Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Skillet recipe.

5) Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

You can whip up a spicy Italian sausage soup that’s both warming and filling. Spicy sausage, veggies, and beans come together for a meal that’s got a little kick but not too much.

Brown the sausage, then add onions, carrots, and celery for that base flavor. White beans and kale keep things hearty and healthy.

Let everything simmer so the flavors meld. Serve it up with crusty bread or a simple salad—easy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can white beans (15 oz)
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
3. Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until soft.
4. Add white beans, kale, and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot.

For more details, check this spicy Italian sausage soup recipe.

6) One-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Pasta

This one-pot Italian sausage and tomato pasta is a lifesaver on busy nights. You get spicy sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs all cooking together—less mess, more flavor.

Just brown the sausage with onions and garlic, add tomatoes and pasta, and let it all simmer until the pasta’s tender. The sauce turns rich and tasty without much effort.

Add fresh basil or thyme if you’re feeling fancy. It really brightens things up.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Stir in the spaghetti and cooked sausage.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
7. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
8. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Try this simple meal for a tasty Italian dinner with minimal mess. For more details, see the one-pot Italian sausage pasta recipe.

7) Sweet Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Bake

This recipe couldn’t be much easier. Sweet Italian sausage bakes with colorful bell peppers and onions for a flavorful, hands-off meal.

Roasting everything together in the oven makes the sausages juicy and the peppers soft. The smell alone is enough to make you hungry.

Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser, even if the crowd is just you and your couch.

Ingredients

• 4 sweet Italian sausages
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sliced peppers and onions with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the sausages on a baking sheet and arrange the veggies around them.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until sausages are cooked through and veggies are tender.
5. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

8) Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew

This stew is easy to make and packed with flavor. Italian sausage, white beans, and a handful of herbs come together for a meal that’s both hearty and comforting.

You can cook everything in one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze. The sausage brings a bit of spice, and the beans make it creamy.

Toss in some fresh greens or onions if you’re feeling fancy. The whole thing comes together in about 30 to 40 minutes.

Perfect for a weeknight or when you’re meal prepping for the days ahead. With just a few ingredients, you get a cozy dinner that tastes like you spent all day on it.

Ingredients

• 4 Italian sausage links (about 6 oz each)
• 1 ½ cups dry cannellini beans (or 2 cans, drained)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh greens (spinach or kale)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Remove and slice.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until soft.
3. Pour in broth and beans. Stir in herbs.
4. Return sausage to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add greens in the last 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm and enjoy.

Learn more about this stew from Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew recipes.

9) Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a solid way to kick off your morning. You get savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and potatoes all in one bite.

Throw in some veggies like peppers or mushrooms if you want to mix it up. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and you can prep it the night before.

Just pop it in the oven when you wake up. The eggs set, the top gets golden, and breakfast is officially handled.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain the fat.
3. In a bowl, beat eggs with salt and pepper.
4. Mix sausage, eggs, potatoes, cheese, peppers, and onions.
5. Pour into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden on top.

10) Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Grilling Italian sausage with peppers and onions is about as classic as it gets. Just toss your bell peppers and onions with olive oil and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Poke a few holes in the sausages—trust me, it helps them cook evenly. Grill the sausages until they hit 160°F (71°C) inside.

While you’re at it, cook the peppers and onions until they’re soft and a little charred. Serve the sausages on their own or stuffed in a bun, piled high with the veggies.

Honestly, it’s a quick meal that tastes like summer, especially with that smoky grill flavor.

Ingredients

• Italian sausages
• Bell peppers (mixed colors)
• Onions
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the bell peppers. Cut up the onions too.

2. Toss both veggies with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Grab a fork and poke a few holes in the sausages.

4. Fire up the grill to medium heat.

5. Grill the sausages until they reach 160°F (71°C) inside.

6. Throw the peppers and onions on the grill. Let them cook until they’re nice and tender.

7. Serve the sausages alongside those grilled peppers and onions.