10+ Italian Sausage Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Italian sausage recipes add bold flavors to your meals. Whether you like spicy or mild, these sausages bring a rich, savory taste that works in many dishes.

You’ll find that Italian sausages are versatile and easy to cook with. Use them in pasta, on pizza, or in simple sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, cook until soft.
3. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Add tomatoes or sauce if using, and simmer for 10 minutes.

1) Classic Italian Sausage with Fennel and Garlic

You can make classic Italian sausage by mixing ground pork with fennel seeds and garlic. Fennel gives the sausage a sweet, licorice-like flavor.

Garlic adds a savory punch that balances the spices well. Combine salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel seeds in a bowl.

Add the ground pork and minced garlic. Mix everything by hand to spread the flavors evenly.

Cook these sausages on a grill, in a pan, or bake them until browned. This mix works for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground pork
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix fennel seeds, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
2. Add ground pork and mix by hand until well combined.
3. Shape into sausages or patties.
4. Cook in a pan over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning often.
5. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.

2) Spicy Hot Italian Sausage

If you like heat, spicy hot Italian sausage is a great choice. It usually has red pepper flakes, garlic, and fennel seeds for a bold flavor.

You can buy it ready-made or make your own by mixing these spices with ground pork. This sausage works well in pasta, sandwiches, or with veggies.

When you cook it, the spices blend into the meat and add a nice kick. Try making a creamy tomato sauce with it for a tasty meal.

You can find ideas for spicy Italian sausage dishes here.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix pork with red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the meat into patties or crumble it for pasta.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook sausage until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add to your favorite recipe or serve with sides.

3) Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Creamy Italian sausage pasta is simple and tasty. The dish comes together fast, usually in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Cook the sausage first, then add a parmesan cream sauce for a rich, comforting pasta. This pasta often includes spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage. Try penne or another sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well.

The creamy sauce blends with the sausage and veggies, making every bite smooth and savory.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the sausage until fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and heat gently. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
5. Add spinach and roasted red peppers, cook until spinach wilts.
6. Return sausage to the pan and mix with the sauce.
7. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

4) Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

This recipe is simple and tasty. Cook the Italian sausage until browned.

Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. The vegetables soften and mix well with the sausage.

This makes a great filling for sandwiches or a main dish with sides. Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your taste.

Cooking everything in one pan keeps it easy and quick. Adding garlic and herbs boosts the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and cook, turning to brown all sides (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove sausage and set aside.
4. Add onions, peppers, and garlic to the same pan. Cook until soft (about 8 minutes).
5. Return sausage to the pan and mix everything.
6. Cook for 5 more minutes to blend flavors.
7. Serve hot.

See more details at Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe.

5) Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage

Making your own sweet Italian sausage is easier than you think. You can control the flavors and use fresh ingredients.

This sausage is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or grilling. Start with ground pork and add sweet spices like fennel and a touch of sugar.

Garlic, parsley, and red wine vinegar bring depth and brightness. Mixing the ingredients well helps the flavors blend evenly.

After shaping the sausage, cook it slowly to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Form into patties or use sausage casings.
3. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 12–15 minutes.
4. Use a thermometer to ensure 160°F (71°C) internal temperature before serving.

For more details, check this Sweet Italian Sausage Recipe.

6) Italian Sausage Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Italian sausage meatballs cooked in marinara sauce make a tasty and hearty meal. Start by mixing Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and fresh parsley.

This helps keep the meatballs soft and full of flavor. Once shaped, fry the meatballs until browned on all sides.

Simmer them gently in a rich marinara sauce to let the flavors blend. Serve these with pasta or on their own with some crusty bread.

They are great for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, and parsley in a bowl.
2. Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the pan with meatballs.
5. Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with pasta or bread.

For more tips, visit this Italian sausage meatballs recipe in marinara sauce.

7) Italian Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Italian sausage and mushroom risotto is creamy and full of flavor. Start by cooking the sausage and mushrooms until browned.

Slowly stir in Arborio rice with warm broth, letting it absorb the liquid for a rich texture. Adding white wine early on brings a slight tang.

Stir the rice often to get that perfect creamy risotto. The sausages add a savory depth while the mushrooms give earthiness.

This meal works well for a cozy dinner. Serve hot for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine
• 4 cups hot chicken or beef broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Cook sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Add mushrooms and onion, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in Arborio rice, cook 1 minute.
5. Pour in white wine, cook until mostly absorbed.
6. Add broth ½ cup at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
7. Cook until rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm.

For more details, check this Italian Sausage and Mushroom Risotto recipe.

8) Italian Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers

Italian sausage stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and simple meal. Fill colorful bell peppers with a mix of Italian sausage, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.

You can add cheese on top before baking to melt and get golden. The peppers become soft but still hold their shape.

It’s a great way to use sausage in a healthy and filling dish. Baking usually takes about 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Cover the peppers with foil for part of the time to keep them moist.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
3. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic until browned.
4. Mix sausage with rice and tomatoes. Season as you like.
5. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and sprinkle cheese on top.
9. Bake for another 10 minutes until cheese melts.

9) Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

This Italian sausage and white bean soup is warm and filling. It combines spicy sausage with tender beans and fresh greens.

The soup is simple to make. It tastes hearty and satisfying.

Start by cooking the sausage until it’s browned. Add onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning for flavor.

Cannellini beans and spinach or kale add texture and nutrients. You can make this soup in one pot for easy cleanup.

Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cannellini beans (cooked or canned)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the sausage and break it up with a spoon.
3. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add beans and lower the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Stir in spinach or kale. Cook until wilted.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot.

10) Italian Sausage and Spinach Frittata

This Italian sausage and spinach frittata is a simple, tasty dish you can enjoy any time of the day. It blends savory sausage with fresh spinach for a healthy touch.

The frittata cooks quickly. You can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You only need a few ingredients. Cleanup is easy because you use just one pan.

Add bell peppers or cheese if you want to customize it.

Serve the dish warm with a side salad or toast. It is filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, wilted
• 8-12 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the sausage in a pan until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add spinach and peppers. Cook until soft.
4. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the pan with sausage and veggies.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top if you like.
7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until set and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

You can find a similar recipe for sausage and spinach frittata here.