10 Easy Italian Sausage Recipes to Make Your Weeknight Meals Delicious
Transform weeknight dinners with easy Italian sausage recipes, from creamy pasta to hearty soups, flavorful skillet meals, and grilled specialties.
Looking for quick and delicious dinner options? Dive into these easy Italian sausage recipes that promise to elevate your weeknight meals.
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Italian Sausage Pasta Dishes
Enhance your weeknight dinner with these flavorful pasta dishes featuring Italian sausage.
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Transform dinner with creamy Italian sausage pasta. Cook Italian sausage in a skillet until browned, then set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until translucent. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens. Return the sausage to the skillet, and toss with cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Spicy Sausage Penne Arrabbiata
Kick up the heat with spicy sausage penne arrabbiata. Sauté Italian sausage with red pepper flakes until browned. Add garlic, onion, and canned tomatoes, simmering until the sauce thickens. Combine with cooked penne pasta, and mix well to coat. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan.
Italian Sausage Pizza and Flatbread Recipes
Sausage and Pepper Flatbread
Use Italian sausage and bell peppers for a quick weeknight flatbread. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out store-bought pizza dough on a baking sheet. Cook sliced sausage and peppers in a skillet until browned, then spread them over the dough. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza
Make a hearty deep-dish pizza with Italian sausage. Preheat your oven to 450°F and press pizza dough into a cast-iron skillet. Cook Italian sausage in a skillet until browned. Layer sausage, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella in the dough-lined skillet. Bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Italian Sausage Skillet Meals
When you need a quick, delicious dinner, Italian sausage skillet meals are your go-to. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
One-Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies
Cook Italian sausage with green beans, bell peppers, and onions in a single skillet for a quick meal. Sauté the sausage until browned, then add the veggies, and cook until tender. Season with your favorite herbs. This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Italian Sausage and Potato Skillet
Combine Italian sausages with diced potatoes and onions for a hearty skillet meal. Start by browning the sausages, then add the potatoes and onions. Cook until the potatoes are soft. For extra flavor, sprinkle with rosemary or thyme. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Italian Sausage Soup and Stew Ideas
Craving comfort in a bowl? These Italian sausage soup and stew recipes deliver hearty flavors with ease.
Tomato and Italian Sausage Soup
Savor the rich, tangy broth.
- Brown 1 lb of Italian sausage in a large pot.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Toss in 2 cups of chopped kale and cook until wilted.
Hearty Italian Sausage and Bean Stew
Enjoy the ultimate winter warmer.
- Cook 1 lb of Italian sausage in a heavy-bottomed pot until browned.
- Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cans of cannellini beans (drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 tsp of rosemary.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
Italian Sausage Sandwiches and Wraps
Elevate your meals with satisfying Italian sausage sandwiches and wraps.
Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Grill Italian sausages until they’re browned and juicy. Place them on toasted hoagie rolls. Top with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Add marinara sauce and provolone cheese. Serve hot.
Italian Sausage Tortilla Wraps
Cook Italian sausage crumbles in a skillet. Fill a large tortilla with sausage, shredded mozzarella, arugula, and roasted red peppers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Wrap tightly and enjoy.
Italian Sausage Grill and BBQ Specials
Fire up the grill with these easy and flavorful Italian sausage recipes perfect for summer cookouts.
Italian Sausage Grilled Kabobs
- Combine bites of heaven: Skewer slices of Italian sausage, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onions. Alternate to ensure each bite is balanced.
- Marinate for magic: Toss everything in olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill and enjoy: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, rotating frequently. Ensure grill marks and a slight char appear for the best flavor.
Grilled Italian Sausage and Veggies
- Prep your ingredients: Slice Italian sausage links into manageable sizes. Cut bell peppers and onions into large chunks for easy grilling.
- Season to perfection: Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Grill it up: Place the sausage and veggies directly on the grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Combine in a large bowl and toss with warmed BBQ sauce before serving.
Tips for Cooking with Italian Sausage
Cooking Italian sausage at home can elevate your dishes with rich flavors and spices. Follow these tips to ensure your meals are a hit every time.
Choosing the Right Sausage Type
- Identify Flavor Profiles: Opt for sweet, mild, or hot sausages based on your dish’s flavor profile.
- Check Ingredients: Look for sausages with fewer preservatives and high-quality meat.
- Consider Meat Blend: Choose between pork, chicken, or turkey sausages based on your dietary preferences.
- Pre-Cook Sausage: Parboil sausages for 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and reduce fat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for pork and 165°F for poultry.
- Sauté on Medium Heat: Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the outside while ensuring the inside is cooked.
- Rest After Cooking: Let sausages rest for a few minutes, locking in the juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy Italian sausage recipes for weeknight meals?
Easy Italian sausage recipes for weeknight meals include creamy Italian sausage pasta, spicy sausage penne arrabbiata, sausage and pepper flatbread, and deep-dish sausage pizza. These dishes provide flavorful and quick options for busy evenings.
What is an Italian sausage skillet meal?
An Italian sausage skillet meal typically involves cooking Italian sausage with vegetables or other ingredients in a single pan. Examples include one-pan Italian sausage and veggies and Italian sausage and potato skillet recipes, which offer quick and tasty dinner options.
How can I use Italian sausage in soups and stews?
Italian sausage can be used in soups and stews to add depth and flavor. Recipes like Tomato and Italian Sausage Soup and Hearty Italian Sausage and Bean Stew are comforting dishes that incorporate the rich taste of Italian sausage.
Are there any Italian sausage recipes suitable for grilling or BBQ?
Yes, there are several Italian sausage recipes perfect for grilling or BBQ, such as Italian Sausage Grilled Kabobs and Grilled Italian Sausage with veggies. These recipes are great options for summer cookouts and offer delicious, smoky flavors.
What are some tips for cooking with Italian sausage?
Important tips for cooking with Italian sausage include choosing the right sausage type, pre-cooking techniques, using a meat thermometer for doneness, sautéing on medium heat to prevent burning, and allowing the sausages to rest after cooking to enhance flavors.
How can I make Italian sausage sandwiches and wraps?
Italian sausage sandwiches and wraps can be made by pairing cooked sausage with various toppings and sauces. Examples include adding sautéed peppers and onions, marinara sauce, or even a spicy mayo to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
