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19 Mild Italian Sausage Recipes

Mild Italian Sausage Recipes

You know that package of mild Italian sausage in your fridge? The one you picked up because it looked good, and now you’re standing there wondering what to actually make with it that doesn’t feel like the same old thing?

I’ve been there more times than I can count. Mild Italian sausage is one of those ingredients that’s always there when you need it—affordable, versatile, and packed with flavor without being too spicy for the kids or anyone who prefers things on the milder side. And honestly, Italian cuisine has some of the best ways to use it. From hearty pasta bakes to simple skillet meals, there’s a whole world of comfort waiting in that one package.

The best part? Most of these recipes come together in under an hour. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something to feed a crowd, these 19 mild Italian sausage recipes deliver every time.

1. Classic Sausage and Peppers

An overheard picture view of a plate of Classic Sausage and Peppers   sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

The classic for good reason. Juicy sausage links simmered with sweet bell peppers and onions until everything is tender and caramelized. This is the recipe that started it all.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage links
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 large bell peppers (mix colors), sliced into ¼-inch strips
  4. 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  7. ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  8. ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  9. Salt and black pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sausage links and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet along with sliced peppers and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  4. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Return sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until sausages are cooked through.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with crusty bread or over polenta.

2. Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Italian Sausage Pasta Bake  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A hearty pasta casserole that layers robust Italian sausage with tender pasta and melted cheese. It’s crowd-pleasing comfort food that comes together with minimal fuss.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  6. 12 oz penne pasta
  7. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  8. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  10. ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  11. Salt and black pepper to taste
  12. ¼ cup chopped fresh basil for garnish

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions (about 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
  4. Add onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, 1½ cups mozzarella, and Parmesan. Toss to coat.
  7. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top if desired.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving .

3. Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A velvety, rich soup that warms you from the inside out. It’s become a family favorite for chilly evenings when only something cozy will do.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 40 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 1 large yellow onion, diced
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  5. 1½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
  6. 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  7. 2 tablespoons butter
  8. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  9. Salt and black pepper to taste
  10. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
  3. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Add cubed potatoes and thyme, bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and butter until butter melts. Return cooked sausage to the pot.
  7. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley .

4. Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers

An overheard picture view of a plate of Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers   sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

Vibrant bell peppers become tender vessels holding a savory mixture of seasoned sausage, rice, and melted cheeses. They’re as beautiful as they are satisfying.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 55 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  2. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  3. 1 cup cooked white rice
  4. ½ cup diced yellow onion
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  7. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  8. 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  9. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  10. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  11. ½ teaspoon salt
  12. ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Slice tops off peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add peppers and cook for 4 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set cut-side down on paper towels.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in cooked rice, ¾ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper until combined.
  6. Stand peppers upright in baking dish. Spoon filling evenly into each pepper, pressing gently.
  7. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup mozzarella over the tops.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving .

5. One-Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

An overheard picture view of a plate of  One-Pan Sausage and Gnocchi  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A super simple meal that requires zero chopping and uses only one pan. Toasted gnocchi, Italian sausage, and sweet peas come together in a light, creamy Parmesan sauce.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
  3. 10 oz frozen sweet peas
  4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  5. ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  6. Juice of ½ lemon
  7. ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  8. ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  9. Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  10. ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large nonstick skillet, add sausage and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
  3. Add gnocchi to the same pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and toasted in spots. Remove gnocchi to a separate bowl.
  4. Return sausage to the pan. Add frozen peas, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Once peas have thawed, add gnocchi back to the pan along with Parmesan cheese.
  6. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring often, until gnocchi is tender and sauce has thickened.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan .

6. Sausage and Spinach Quiche

An overheard picture view of a plate of Sausage and Spinach Quiche   sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A versatile dish that works equally well for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Golden and perfectly set, it offers a perfect balance of protein and greens in every slice.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 1 hour

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 store-bought pie crust, thawed
  2. ½ lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  3. 1 small yellow onion, diced
  4. 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  5. 4 large eggs
  6. 1 cup whole milk
  7. ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  8. ¼ teaspoon salt
  9. ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  10. ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Press pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and prick bottom with a fork.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains.
  3. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs vigorously for 1 minute until frothy. Whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Spread sausage mixture evenly over pie crust. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  6. Carefully pour egg mixture over the filling.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until center is set and top is golden.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing .

7. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

These bite-sized appetizers disappear fast at any gathering. Juicy mushroom caps hold a savory sausage filling with a crispy, cheesy topping.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 40 minutes

Servings: 4-6 (16 mushrooms)

Ingredients:

  1. 16 large white mushrooms
  2. 8 oz mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  3. ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. ¼ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  6. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  7. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  8. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  9. ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Gently twist stems from mushroom caps and finely chop the stems.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes, breaking into crumbles.
  4. Add chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4 minutes until onions are translucent.
  5. Transfer mixture to a bowl and let cool for 3 minutes. Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
  6. Brush mushroom caps inside and out with remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  7. Spoon filling evenly into each mushroom cap, pressing lightly.
  8. Arrange on baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
  9. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving .

8. Sausage and Kale Soup

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Sausage and Kale Soup  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A hearty, nourishing soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of savory sausage, hearty kale, and tender potatoes makes it a complete meal in a bowl.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 40 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, diced
  4. 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  5. 2 celery stalks, diced
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 4 cups chicken broth
  8. 2 cups water
  9. 3 medium potatoes, cubed
  10. 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  11. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  12. Salt and pepper to taste
  13. Grated Parmesan for serving

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits. Add potatoes and oregano.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  6. Stir in kale and cook for 5 minutes until wilted.
  7. Return sausage to the pot and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Pesto Sausage Meatball Subs

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Pesto Sausage Meatball Subs  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

Juicy sausage meatballs with pesto and ricotta, baked and nestled in sub rolls with marinara and melted cheese. These are next-level sandwich comfort.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 4 sub rolls
  2. 1 lb mild Italian sausages, casings removed
  3. ¾ cup breadcrumbs
  4. ½ cup grated Parmesan
  5. ½ cup ricotta cheese
  6. 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  7. 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  8. 2 eggs
  9. 3 tablespoons olive oil
  10. 1 jar marinara sauce
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. Pesto for garnish

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sausage meat, breadcrumbs, ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add eggs, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Mix with your hands until combined.
  4. Form into about 15 meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and browned.
  6. Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet.
  7. Spread marinara in each roll, add meatballs, and top with cheese.
  8. Bake for 5 minutes, then broil to melt and brown the cheese.
  9. Garnish with pesto and fresh basil before serving .

10. Sausage and Peppers Skillet

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Sausage and Peppers Skillet  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A vibrant, one-pan meal that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma. The colors pop and the flavors meld beautifully with minimal cleanup.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage links
  2. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  3. 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  4. 2 bell peppers (mix red and green), thinly sliced
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  7. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  8. Salt and black pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sausage links and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Add onion and bell peppers, sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add oregano and red pepper flakes.
  5. Slice sausages into 1-inch pieces and return to skillet.
  6. Cook everything together for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is cooked through and peppers are tender.
  7. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot .
An overheard picture view of a plate of  Cheesy Stuffed Sausage Links  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A fun twist on classic sausage: links stuffed with mozzarella, baked in marinara, and served on buns. It’s a flavor-packed meal that hits every time.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 2 lbs mild Italian sausage links (about 8 links)
  2. 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
  3. 4-8 hot dog buns
  4. 1 jar marinara sauce
  5. Italian seasoning to taste
  6. Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Using a knife, cut a vertical slit down the center of each sausage, going only about halfway through.
  3. Unwrap each cheese stick and stuff one into the slit of each sausage.
  4. Pour marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Add stuffed sausages and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes or until sausage is cooked through.
  6. Using tongs, remove sausages from dish and place in buns. Top with additional sauce, sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve immediately .

12. Sausage Ditalini Soup

An overheard picture view of a plate of   Sausage Ditalini Soup sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A hearty soup that combines mild Italian sausage with small, tube-shaped ditalini pasta that soaks up the broth beautifully. Perfect for cold nights.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, diced
  4. 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  5. 2 celery stalks, diced
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 6 cups chicken broth
  8. 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  9. 1 cup ditalini pasta
  10. 2 cups fresh spinach
  11. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  12. Salt and pepper to taste
  13. Grated Parmesan for serving

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Remove with slotted spoon.
  2. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Bring to a boil, then add ditalini pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Return sausage to pot and heat through. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan .

13. Sausage and Sweet Pea Gnocchi

An overheard picture view of a plate of Sausage and Sweet Pea Gnocchi   sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A simple yet delicious pasta dish that comes together in one pan. Toasted gnocchi, Italian sausage, and sweet peas in a light, creamy Parmesan sauce.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 1 lb gnocchi
  3. 10 oz frozen sweet peas
  4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  5. ½ cup chicken broth
  6. Juice of ½ lemon
  7. ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  8. ½ teaspoon salt
  9. Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  10. ¼ cup fresh basil, torn

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving fat in pan.
  2. Add gnocchi to the same pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and toasted. Remove to a separate bowl.
  3. Return sausage to pan. Add frozen peas, mustard, broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Once peas have thawed, add gnocchi back along with Parmesan cheese.
  5. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring often, until gnocchi is tender and sauce has thickened.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve immediately.

14. Sausage Casserole with Potatoes and Corn

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Sausage Casserole with Potatoes and Corn  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A simple sheet pan meal turned casserole. Sausage, crispy potatoes, corn, and bell peppers come together for an easy weeknight dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausages
  2. 1 kg frozen potatoes (such as hash browns or diced)
  3. 1 medium onion, diced
  4. 1 red bell pepper, diced
  5. 2 tablespoons canola oil
  6. 1 cup corn kernels
  7. Tabasco to taste
  8. ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  9. ½ teaspoon oregano
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  2. While sausages bake, heat oil in a large skillet. Cook frozen potatoes and corn according to package directions until golden and crisp.
  3. Add onion to the skillet and sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bell pepper, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and Tabasco. Mix well.
  4. Once sausages are cooked, slice into rounds and add to the skillet.
  5. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Stir in fresh basil and serve hot .

15. Sausage and Spinach Pasta Skillet

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Sausage and Spinach Pasta Skillet  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

An easy 30-minute meal with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 12 oz pasta (farfalle or penne)
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  4. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, crumbled
  5. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  6. ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  7. Red pepper flakes to taste
  8. 13 oz tomato sauce or marinara
  9. 6 oz fresh spinach
  10. Salt and black pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, tomato sauce, and fresh spinach. Bring to a boil, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until spinach wilts.
  5. Add cooked and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine and reheat gently.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Top with cooked mushrooms and serve .

16. Sausage and Three Cheese Pasta Bake

An overheard picture view of a plate of  Sausage and Three Cheese Pasta Bake  sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that uses three kinds of cheese and fresh spinach. It’s pure comfort food that the whole family will love.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 40 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  3. ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  4. ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  8. 1 cup water
  9. 1 lb whole wheat pasta (shells or similar)
  10. ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated or diced
  11. 2 cups fresh spinach
  12. 1½ cups part-skim ricotta cheese
  13. ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large pot, crumble Italian sausage and brown over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and fennel seeds.
  3. Add water and tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil.
  4. Add pasta and cook until just starting to soften.
  5. Stir in mozzarella. Cook a few minutes longer.
  6. When pasta is almost done, fold in spinach and cook until wilted.
  7. Dollop ricotta onto the mixture (stir slightly if desired).
  8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.
  9. Optional: Transfer to baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 425°F until bubbly and golden .

17. Sausage and Pepperoncini Hoagies

An overheard picture view of a plate of Sausage and Pepperoncini Hoagies   sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A tangy twist on sausage and peppers. The pepperoncinis add a bright, vinegary kick that cuts through the richness of the sausage.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage links
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, sliced
  4. 2 bell peppers, sliced
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. ½ cup sliced pepperoncinis, plus 2 tablespoons brine
  7. 4 hoagie rolls
  8. 4 slices provolone cheese
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage links and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in pepperoncinis and brine, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Return sausages to skillet, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Toast hoagie rolls lightly. Place a sausage link in each roll, top with pepper mixture and a slice of provolone.
  6. Broil briefly until cheese melts, if desired.

18. Sausage and White Bean Casserole

An overheard picture view of a plate of   Sausage and White Bean Casserole sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A rustic, hearty casserole that’s both simple and satisfying. White beans absorb all the savory flavors from the sausage and herbs.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage links
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, diced
  4. 2 carrots, diced
  5. 2 celery stalks, diced
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  8. 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  9. 1 cup chicken broth
  10. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  11. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  12. Salt and pepper to taste
  13. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage links and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, rosemary, and thyme.
  5. Nestle sausages back into the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until sausages are cooked through and casserole is bubbly.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

19. Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta

An overheard picture view of a plate of Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta   sitting on a marble countertop table in the kitchen, professional food photography style.

A classic Italian combination that balances the richness of sausage with the pleasant bitterness of broccoli rabe. Simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 12 oz orecchiette pasta
  3. 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  4. 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  5. ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  6. ¼ cup olive oil
  7. ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  8. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking into crumbles, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli rabe to the pasta water. Cook until bright green and tender.
  5. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli rabe together.
  6. Add pasta and broccoli rabe to the skillet with sausage. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  7. Stir in grated cheese, season with salt, and serve immediately.

These 19 recipes prove that mild Italian sausage is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. From hearty casseroles to quick skillet meals, there’s something here for every night of the week. Give one a try and see how easy delicious dinner can be.

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