Creamy Sausage with Peppers

This creamy sausage and peppers dish brings together juicy Italian sausage and vibrant bell peppers simmered in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s the perfect meal when you want something hearty and comforting without too much fuss, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed a quick dinner that still felt special. Now it’s a regular at our table because the whole family enjoys it, and it always feels a little indulgent

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: One pound either sweet or hot according to your taste – quality sausages make a big difference in flavor so choose ones with good seasoning and a natural casing for the best texture
• Red bell pepper: One medium sliced for sweetness and color
• Yellow bell pepper: One medium sliced to add a mild and vibrant contrast
• Green bell pepper: One medium sliced to bring a slight bitterness and freshness
• Onion: One medium sliced to build the savory base and add texture
• Garlic: Three cloves minced for aromatic depth – fresh garlic works best here
• Heavy cream: One cup to create a luxurious sauce that balances the spices and peppers
• Chicken broth: One cup to keep the sauce light while adding savory notes
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons used for sautéing – opt for extra virgin for more flavor
• Salt: To taste essential for balancing all the flavors
• Black pepper: To taste brings subtle heat and enhances the dish
• Fresh parsley: For garnish adds a bright pop of herbal freshness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Sausage:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the Italian sausage breaking it up just enough to let it brown on all sides evenly This usually takes about five to seven minutes Once browned remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to rest this helps maintain its juiciness

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same skillet add the sliced onions and bell peppers Cook them over medium heat for about five minutes Stir frequently so they soften evenly but don’t burn After five minutes add the minced garlic sauté for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant This step adds a deep flavor base for the sauce

Combine and Simmer:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer This allows the flavors to meld and the sausages to finish cooking without drying out

Add Cream and Finish the Sauce:

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream Let it cook for about five more minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper to your preference

Serve:

Serve the creamy sausage and peppers hot Garnish with freshly chopped parsley It pairs beautifully over pasta rice or even creamy polenta for a filling meal

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within three days Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave stirring occasionally so the cream sauce doesn’t separate You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to lighten the meal swap the heavy cream for half and half or whole milk though the sauce will be less thick For a dairy-free version use coconut cream which also adds a slightly sweet note Green or sweet sausage works well if you prefer milder flavors and turkey sausage can be a leaner substitute

Serving Suggestions

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This dish comes alive over warm buttered pasta or creamy polenta It also works great spooned over fluffy white rice or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce A simple side salad or steamed greens add a fresh contrast to the richness

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, whether sweet or hot, works best for this dish to complement the bell peppers and enhance the overall flavor.

→ Can I use different peppers other than bell peppers?

You can experiment with various peppers, but bell peppers provide a balanced sweetness and texture ideal for this dish.

→ How do I prevent the sausage from drying out?

Brown the sausage on medium heat just until cooked through, then remove it before cooking the vegetables. This helps retain juiciness when it’s added back later.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes, for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut or almond cream which will maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

→ Can this be served with something else than pasta or rice?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread or polenta, which can soak up the flavorful creamy sauce beautifully.