Creamy Sausage and Peppers

This creamy sausage and peppers dish is the kind of meal that comforts without fuss. Juicy Italian sausages browned to perfection mingle with sweet, colorful bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a smooth, luscious cream sauce. It’s a satisfying dinner that’s simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to feel special. Served over pasta or rice, it’s a go to meal that brings warmth and vibrant tastes to the table.

I first made this during a chilly evening craving comfort food that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. Now it’s a family favorite that I find myself cooking over and over when I want a quick, nourishing supper that feels special.

Ingredients

• One pound Italian sausage: choose sweet or hot depending on your preference quality sausage sets the tone for the dish
• Two tablespoons olive oil: adds a fruity undertone and helps achieve a perfect golden brown on the sausage
• Red yellow and green bell peppers sliced: bring sweetness crunch and vibrant color look for firm peppers with shiny skins
• One medium onion sliced: adds natural sweetness and depth choose firm onions without blemishes
• Three cloves garlic minced: infuses aroma and depth fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor impact
• One cup heavy cream: creates a silky sauce coating the ingredients with richness
• One cup chicken broth: balances the creaminess with a light savory note enhancing the dish’s depth
• Salt and pepper to taste: essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the dish
• Fresh parsley for garnish: adds a fresh herbaceous contrast and makes the plate visually appealing

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Gather all your ingredients onto a clean surface. Slice bell peppers into thin strips for even cooking and color. Slice the onion into similar thickness. Mince the garlic finely but keep it intact to release flavor gradually. Cut sausage into bite sized pieces to ensure even browning and convenient bites later. Preparing everything ahead makes the cooking process easier and prevents overcooking anything.

Cook Sausages:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add sausage pieces in a single layer, cooking for five to seven minutes. Turn them regularly to brown all sides evenly. This step seals in juices and builds deep savory flavor. Once browned and cooked through, remove sausage pieces to a plate but leave the oil and fond in the pan to flavor the vegetables.

Sauté Vegetables:

Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with residual oil and sausage drippings. Cook for about five minutes stirring often to ensure even softening. The goal is for the vegetables to become tender but still retain some crunch. The slight caramelization brings sweetness that perfectly complements the sausage.

Add Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic and let cook for about one minute. Be careful not to burn or brown the garlic too much as burnt garlic can taste bitter and overpower the dish. The garlic will release a wonderful aroma that blends all the flavors in the pan.

Combine Ingredients:

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables and garlic. Stir everything together for one to two minutes to marry the flavors before adding liquids.

Add Broth and Cream:

Pour in chicken broth and bring contents to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low before adding heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes. Stir occasionally to help thicken the sauce and ensure it coats every bit of sausage and pepper with that rich, creamy goodness.

Season and Serve:

Taste the dish and season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors. Remove from heat once you reach your preferred taste. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve the creamy sausage and peppers hot over cooked pasta or rice, allowing the sauce to soak in and deliver satisfying, comforting bites.

One of my favorite memories is surprising my family with this creamy and colorful plate on a hectic weeknight. Watching everyone’s faces light up made it clear this recipe would become a beloved staple in our home

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing the creamy texture. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from separating and becoming oily.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap Italian sausage for chicken or turkey sausage to lighten the dish without stripping away much flavor. For dairy free versions replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream these alternatives retain the silken texture but may lightly shift the flavor profile. Add zucchini or mushrooms alongside or instead of peppers for variety and extra nutrition without altering the cooking method.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy sausage and peppers dish is delicious over pasta such as penne or fettuccine or served with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce. Garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery contrast while a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or toss with herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.

This creamy sausage and peppers is simple to make and full of comforting flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a make ahead meal for the week.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausages, either sweet or hot, bring the most robust flavor. Smoked or poultry sausages also work well depending on your preference.

→ Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Yes, it can be made ahead and stored refrigerated up to three days. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy and the flavors vibrant.

→ How can I make it dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream for a dairy-free version that keeps the dish creamy and rich.

→ Are other vegetables suitable additions?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions, adding texture and nutrition without overpowering the main flavors.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Pasta, rice, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complement this creamy, savory dish perfectly.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and consume within three days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.