18 Sweet Italian Sausage Recipe Serious Eats Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Italian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes, and one of the stars of this culinary tradition is sweet Italian sausage. This delicious sausage is packed with savory herbs and spices, making it a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. If you're looking to learn more about this delectable sausage and how to incorporate it into your cooking, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll dive into the world of sweet Italian sausage and share an irresistible recipe from Serious Eats. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouth-watering dish.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Onion, Bell Pepper, Diced
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika before being cooked on the grill with a can of beer. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is perfect for shredding and adding to your favorite chili recipe. Serve with some cornbread and enjoy a delicious and spicy meal.
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Zuppa Toscana
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Garlic, Bacon, Onion, Olive Oil
If you're a fan of the Olive Garden's zuppa toscana soup, then you'll love this beer can chicken version. The chicken is rubbed with Italian seasoning and garlic before being cooked on a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and added to a creamy and flavorful soup with potatoes, kale, and bacon. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.
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Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Italian Sausage, Ground Beef
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic Italian dish to the next level. Instead of using ground beef, the recipe calls for shredded beer can chicken to be mixed with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. The result is a hearty and delicious casserole that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Mozzarella Cheese
For those following a keto diet, this beer can chicken recipe is a must-try. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of Italian seasoning and garlic before being cooked on a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and mixed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos before being stuffed into bell peppers and baked. It's a low-carb and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
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Creamy Zuppa Toscana
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Italian Sausage, Bacon
This version of zuppa toscana is perfect for those who prefer a creamier soup. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then added to a creamy broth with potatoes, kale, and bacon. The result is a rich and hearty soup that will warm you up on a cold day. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Classic Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion, Tomato Paste, Crushed
If you're a fan of the classic baked ziti, then you'll love this beer can chicken version. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and mixed with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious and comforting meal that will please the whole family.
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Small Onions
Looking to take your spaghetti game to the next level? Try this beer can chicken recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and spices. Serve over your favorite pasta for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
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Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash, Italian Sausage, Pasta Sauce, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthier option, this beer can chicken recipe is for you. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of Italian seasoning and garlic before being cooked on a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and mixed with spaghetti squash, marinara sauce, and cheese before being stuffed back into the squash and baked. It's a low-carb and flavorful twist on a classic dish.
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Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Small Onion, Frozen Spinach, Diced
This creamy crockpot tortellini is perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a creamy sauce with tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simply dump all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. When you come home, you'll have a delicious and comforting meal waiting for you.
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One Pan Creamy Gnocchi With Sausage
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Small Onion, Garlic, Dry White Wine
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a one-pan meal. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a creamy sauce with gnocchi, sausage, and spinach. Everything cooks together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, the flavors all come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Baby Red Potatoes, Yellow Onion
This beer can chicken recipe is a copycat of the Olive Garden's popular zuppa toscana soup. The chicken is rubbed with Italian seasoning and garlic before being cooked on a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and added to a creamy soup with potatoes, kale, and bacon. It's a delicious and budget-friendly way to enjoy your favorite restaurant dish at home.
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Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Lean Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Small
If you're a fan of stuffed peppers, then you'll love this beer can chicken version. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika before being cooked on the grill with a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and mixed with rice, black beans, corn, and cheese before being stuffed into bell peppers and baked. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit.
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Traditional Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Dreamfields Lasagna, Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped Onion
This traditional lasagna recipe is taken to the next level with the addition of beer can chicken. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and spices. Layer the chicken and sauce with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella for a hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic, Freshly Ground Black
For a twist on the traditional lasagna, try this beer can chicken version. The chicken is rubbed with Italian seasoning and garlic before being cooked on a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and mixed with a creamy and flavorful sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Layer the chicken and sauce with lasagna noodles and cheese for a unique and tasty meal.
This one-pot Italian sausage pasta is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a flavorful sauce with Italian sausage, pasta, and vegetables. Everything cooks together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, the flavors all come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Knock Your Socks off Crock Pot Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Potatoes, Diced Tomatoes, Bacon
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you have to try this beer can chicken recipe for knock your socks off crock pot soup. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a spicy broth with jalapenos, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. Let it cook in the crockpot all day and come home to a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Small Onion
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic Italian dish and turns it into an easy and delicious meal. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a skillet with Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Serve over rice or pasta for a flavorful and hearty dinner that will become a family favorite.
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Zuppa Tuscana
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Bacon, Onion, Garlic, Water, Chicken
If you can't get enough of zuppa toscana, then you have to try this beer can chicken version. The chicken is rubbed with Italian seasoning and garlic before being cooked on a can of beer. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and added to a creamy and flavorful soup with potatoes, kale, and bacon. It's a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to become a go-to in your household.
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Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausages, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Marinara
This Italian sausage bake is a perfect weeknight meal that is easy to make and full of flavor. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and mixed with Italian sausage, pasta, and a tomato cream sauce. Everything is topped with cheese and baked in the oven for a cheesy and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
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Easy Homemade Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
If you're a fan of lasagna but don't want to spend hours making it, then this beer can chicken recipe is for you. The chicken is cooked on a can of beer and then shredded and added to a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and spices. Layer the chicken and sauce with lasagna noodles and cheese for a delicious and easy meal that will please the whole family.
What is Sweet Italian Sausage?
Understanding the Basics
Before we get into the recipe, it's important to understand what exactly sweet Italian sausage is. Sweet Italian sausage is a type of fresh pork sausage that is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, giving it a distinct flavor profile. The main ingredients in this sausage are ground pork, salt, and black pepper, along with other seasonings such as fennel, garlic, and parsley. The sweetness in this sausage comes from the use of sugar or honey in the seasoning mix. This sausage is typically sold in links, which can be grilled, pan-fried, or used in a variety of dishes.
Why Use Sweet Italian Sausage?
Now you may be wondering, why use sweet Italian sausage instead of other types of sausage? The answer is simple - the flavor. The blend of herbs and spices in sweet Italian sausage creates a unique and delicious taste that adds depth and complexity to any dish. Whether you're making pasta, pizza, or soup, adding sweet Italian sausage will take your dish to the next level. It's also a great option for those who prefer a milder sausage, as it is less spicy than its hot Italian counterpart.
Recipe: Sweet Italian Sausage Pasta
Now, let's get to the good stuff - a mouth-watering recipe for sweet Italian sausage pasta from Serious Eats. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce.
7. Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, sweet Italian sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, incorporating this sausage into your cooking will add a burst of flavor to your dishes. So next time you're at the grocery store, pick up some sweet Italian sausage and give this irresistible pasta recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.