Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup Marsala wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

How To Make Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions

1. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until brown on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain.
2. Keeping the pan over medium heat,  Add the Italian seasoning, basil, and garlic and cook 2 more minutes.
3. Add the Marsala wine, tomatoes, tomato paste and stir, add chili flakes, if using.
4. Add the peppers, onions, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer.
5. Return sausage to skillet with the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta, cauliflower rice or, if serving as a sandwich, split the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Hollow out the bread from the bottom side of each roll, being careful not to puncture the crust. Fill the bottom half of the roll with sausage mixture.

Here are some additional tips and variations for making Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions:

1. **Sausage Variations**: You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference for spiciness. You can also try using turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

2. **Vegetable Variations**: While bell peppers and onions are traditional in this dish, you can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color.

3. **Wine Substitutions**: If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, you can substitute it with red wine, white wine, or even chicken broth. Each substitution will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish, so choose based on your personal taste preferences.

4. **Herb Additions**: In addition to basil, you can add other fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley to enhance the flavor of the dish.

5. **Adjusting Spice Level**: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

6. **Serving Suggestions**: While serving over mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta, or cauliflower rice is delicious, you can also serve the sausage mixture in other ways. Try stuffing it into baked potatoes, serving it over rice or quinoa, or using it as a filling for stuffed peppers or pasta dishes.

7. **Garnish**: Before serving, you can garnish the dish with additional chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

8. **Make-Ahead Option**: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply prepare the sausage mixture as directed, cool it completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Enjoy preparing and serving this hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions dish to your family and friends!