I don’t know about you, but the sizzle and spice of Italian sausage!
I’ve used it in everything from pasta to soups to one-pan meals that save my sanity on busy weeknights.
It’s got just enough kick to make things interesting without terrifying picky eaters.
And honestly, it’s one of the few ingredients that makes me feel like I put real effort into dinner…even if I absolutely did not.
So if you’re staring at that pack of sausage in the fridge and wondering what to do with it, I’ve got you covered.
These recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends!
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
This is a rich, cozy pasta dish that tastes like you ordered it at a restaurant but came together in one pan.
The sausage brings the flavor, and the cream ties it all together.
What You Need:
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the sausage with onion and garlic, then add cream and simmer while your rigatoni cooks.
Toss everything together with cheese until saucy and irresistible.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
This dish is classic, colorful, and great stuffed into a hoagie or served over rice.
It’s super easy to make and is almost a meal of its own.
What You Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage links
- 3 bell peppers (mix of colors), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sear the sausages in a skillet, then set aside.
Sauté the peppers and onions until tender, toss in the seasoning, then nestle the sausages back in to finish cooking.
Tuscan Sausage Pasta in Creamy Sauce
I love the combo of savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
This dish will make you feel like you’re eating dinner in Tuscany instead of your cluttered kitchen.
What You Need:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or bowties work great)
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How to Make It:
Cook the sausage and garlic, then stir in broth, cream, tomatoes, and spinach until wilted.
Add cooked pasta and Parmesan, stir until creamy and well coated.
Italian Sausage Orzo
Orzo is a pasta that looks like rice and soaks up flavors like a boss.
So you can just imagine how amazing it tastes paired with Italian sausage!
What You Need:
- 1 cup orzo
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the sausage and garlic, then stir in orzo and broth.
Let it simmer until the orzo is tender, toss in the zucchini for the last few minutes, and finish with Parmesan.
Italian Sausage Rice Recipe
This one is kind of like a shortcut risotto, but easier and less fussy.
It works with whatever veggies you’ve got and makes great leftovers.
What You Need:
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté sausage with pepper and onion, then stir in rice and broth.
Cover and simmer until rice is fluffy and everything’s cozy and blended together.
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Skillet
What mom says “no” to a one-pan dinner?
You can make these cheesy tortellini with sausage without a mountain of dishes!
What You Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the sausage and garlic, then pour in the broth and cream.
Stir in the tortellini and let it simmer until tender, toss in the spinach and Parmesan, and stir until creamy and dreamy.
Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is perfect for brunch, holidays, or just surviving a Monday with leftovers.
It’s got eggs, sausage, and carbs…aka breakfast goals.
What You Need:
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups frozen hash browns or diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the sausage, then mix with potatoes, cheese, and green onions in a greased baking dish.
Whisk the eggs and milk, pour over everything, and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until set and golden.
Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Bake
I love the soft texture of gnocchi…especially when it’s baked into a spicy sausage-tomato sauce.
Oh, and don’t forget the melted cheese!
What You Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the sausage and stir in the sauce and red pepper flakes.
Mix in the gnocchi, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Sausage and White Bean Soup
This one’s cozy, simple, and perfect for tossing together on a chilly evening.
The beans soak up the broth, the sausage adds punch, and the whole pot tastes like comfort.
What You Need:
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic, then add beans, broth, and oregano.
Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, then stir in the greens until just wilted.
Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
This soup also feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
It’s creamy, filling, and surprisingly easy to throw together.
What You Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 cups diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the sausage with onion and garlic, then add the potatoes and broth.
Simmer until the potatoes are soft, stir in the cream and greens, and let it all heat through until cozy and creamy.
Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
This baked pasta is all kinds of gooey, cheesy, and satisfying.
And perfect for feeding a group or banking a few leftovers for the next day.
What You Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the pasta while browning the sausage.
Mix it all together in a baking dish then bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until hot and melty.
Creamy Italian Sausage Fettuccine
This one tastes like something I had in a restaurant once, and I was surprised I could recreate it at home!
It’s creamy, rich, and just the right amount of kick from the sausage.
What You Need:
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
While the fettuccine cooks, brown the sausage and garlic.
Stir in the cream and cheese, let it thicken, then toss in the pasta and coat it with all that creamy goodness.
Marry Me Sausage Pasta
Marry Me sausage is called that because it’s so good you could marry it!
And when you make it, you’ll see why.
What You Need:
- 12 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the sausage, then stir in tomatoes, spices, broth, and cream.
Let it simmer while the pasta cooks, then toss everything together with Parmesan for a rich, savory finish.
Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers
This dish is easy to prep ahead of time and a great way to use up any leftover rice you have.
I love making this for supper but it’s also a go-to for potlucks and family gatherings!
What You Need:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook sausage with onion, then mix with rice and sauce.
Stuff the mixture into halved peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes until the peppers are soft and the tops are golden.
Italian Sausage Recipes That Basically Cook Themselves
Italian sausage is one of those ingredients that makes dinner feel a little more exciting without adding stress to your night.
It’s quick to cook, packed with flavor, and plays nice with everything from pasta to soup to a big cozy casserole.
Keep a pack in the freezer and you’ll always have a starting point for something warm, satisfying, and just a little impressive!
