Sizzled Italian sausage with sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a rich red wine sauce is the epitome of comfort food! This incredibly versatile dish is perfect served over pasta, creamy polenta, roasted potatoes, or tucked into warm, crusty rolls. Simply scrumptious for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and lively game day gatherings, it’s a meal that promises to satisfy every time.

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Skillet Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: A Timeless Comfort Classic

There are some dishes that transcend mere sustenance, evolving into a culinary embrace, a taste of home, and a hug for the soul. Skillet Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions is undeniably one of them. Rustic, vibrant, and bursting with flavors, it holds a special place in our hearts and on our dinner tables as an all-time favorite comfort food. The moment those sweet, strong garlicky aromas begin to waft through the kitchen, the gentle sizzle of oil as the ingredients meld, and the inviting warmth of the pan as you dish out generous scoopfuls – it’s an experience that awakens all the senses and truly feels like home.

While my childhood palette might have been more attuned to the simple pleasures of frozen fish sticks, my adult self has developed a deep appreciation for wholesome, hearty home cooking, especially when it comes with a delightful Mediterranean-inspired flair. This dish perfectly embodies that evolution, offering a depth of flavor and a satisfying richness that only comes from well-loved, home-cooked meals.

The Irresistible Symphony of Sizzling Flavors

Can you almost hear the bell peppers crackling and softening in the hot skillet? It’s one of those delightful kitchen sounds that promises deliciousness. And speaking of culinary soundscapes, is there anything more satisfying than the gentle “shwooosh” as a splash of wine hits a sizzling pan, transforming sweet-salty goodness into an even more aromatic masterpiece? It truly is one of the best moments in cooking, signaling the deepening of flavors and the start of something truly special.

Here’s a little secret for busy home cooks: I often reach for cooking wine. When preparing a meal just for myself and my ever-eager partner, it often doesn’t make practical sense to uncork an entire bottle of fine red wine. Most recipes, including this one, typically only call for a small splash. Before I know it, after pouring myself a glass (because, of course, one must taste the inspiration!), the remainder of the open bottle often sits on the counter, forgotten and eventually gone sour – a truly tragic waste of good wine.

This is where Holland House Red Cooking Wine comes into play. It’s been a long-time favorite in my kitchen, providing a delicious and convenient addition to my sauces, soups, stews, and roasts. It delivers the same smooth, mellow taste profile as many of my beloved table reds, boasting a rich Burgundy aroma that beautifully complements any comfort food calling for red wine. Holland House offers an impressive variety of cooking wines, including whites, sherry, Marsala, and even sake, making them a versatile staple for any pantry. I find myself using them all to enhance various dishes!

Endless Possibilities: How to Serve Your Italian Sausage and Peppers

Perhaps the most endearing quality of Italian sausage and peppers is its incredible versatility in serving. Whether piled high on warm, soft hoagie rolls for a classic sandwich experience or generously spooned over a bed of al dente pasta, it hits the spot every single time. The tangy, savory pan sauce, infused with the rich flavors of sausage, peppers, onions, and red wine, creates an incredibly robust and unforgettable taste, especially when it coats every strand of pasta.

Beyond the beloved hoagie and pasta, this delectable dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, soaking up all the flavorful juices, or alongside creamy, dreamy polenta for an authentic Italian flair. For those seeking a lighter, low-carb option, serving Italian sausage and peppers on its own, perhaps with a crisp, leafy green salad on the side, makes for a perfectly luscious and satisfying meal. It truly adapts to any craving or dietary preference, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Skillet Meal

Choose Your Sausage: Opt for sweet or hot Italian sausage based on your preference. High-quality sausages make a significant difference.
Don’t Overcrowd: When browning the sausage and searing the vegetables, ensure your skillet isn’t too crowded. This allows for proper browning and searing, creating deeper flavors.
Deglazing is Key: The red wine isn’t just for flavor; it’s essential for deglazing the pan. Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet releases a concentrated burst of flavor, enriching your sauce.
Cooking Wine Convenience: If you don’t keep open bottles of drinking wine on hand, cooking wine is a fantastic alternative, offering consistent flavor without the waste.
Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat. For a milder dish, omit them entirely.
Pre-poke the Sausages: Poking the sausages helps them cook more evenly and releases some of the fat, ensuring a delicious texture.

Variations to Explore

While the classic combination is perfect, feel free to experiment:

Add More Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes can be added alongside the bell peppers and onions.
Herbal Boost: Finish with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Cheesy Finish: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded provolone just before serving can add an extra layer of richness.
Different Sausages: Try chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a leaner option, or explore different flavor profiles like fennel or garlic and herb sausages.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes at the end.

Skillet Italian Sausage, Peppers and Onions

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
4-5 (sweet or hot) Italian sausage links
1 large yellow onion, sliced
3 bell peppers, any color, sliced into strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Holland House Red Cooking Wine
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For serving, optional:

Warm hoagie rolls, halved
Cooked pasta, polenta or potatoes

Instructions

Poke each sausage a few times with a paring knife or fork (this helps release steam as they cook and allows flavors to penetrate).
In a large skillet with a lid, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add sausages and brown gently and slowly for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a nice even brown on all sides. They should not be fully cooked at this stage. Once browned, remove sausages to a plate and set aside.
Increase heat to high. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper strips to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the residual oil and sear the vegetables until they are slightly softened and have a touch of char, stirring often. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the red cooking wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening any delicious browned bits (fond) that have accumulated. Simmer the wine until it has reduced by half, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level). Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Return the browned sausages to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and continue to simmer until the peppers are tender-soft and the sausages are thoroughly cooked through, which should take approximately 10 minutes.
Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal!

Notes

If the oil crackles and sizzles excessively while the sausages cook, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.

Store any leftover cooked mixture in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about 3 days. It reheats beautifully!

This dish is incredibly versatile: serve it over your favorite pasta, creamy polenta, roasted or mashed potatoes, or nestled inside warm, toasted hoagie rolls for a classic sandwich.

Disclosure: This recipe was created for Holland House Cooking Wines. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This Skillet Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of robust flavors and heartwarming comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this straightforward recipe promises delicious results that everyone will adore. Cook up this colorful, hearty, and wholesome meal tonight. You will be so glad you did, and so will everyone who’s lucky enough to enjoy it with you!