Sausage brings bold flavor to all kinds of meals, whether it’s baked into pasta, simmered with sauerkraut, or stirred into creamy risottos. It adds depth without needing much else, making it a go-to for one-pan dinners, sheet pan meals, and cozy casseroles. This list includes everything from classic Italian favorites to spicy curries and hearty cabbage skillets. Whether you’re using chicken sausage, smoked links, or crumbly Italian-style sausage, these dishes all make the most of its savory punch.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
This pasta bake layers ziti, marinara, and sausage under a blanket of melty cheese. The sausage adds richness that balances the sauce and pasta. Bake until bubbly and golden. It’s a go-to for feeding a group or freezing ahead.
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Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto gets a boost from sautéed sausage and earthy mushrooms. The broth soaks into the rice while the sausage seasons the whole dish. Stir often for a soft, rich finish. Great on its own or paired with a green salad.
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Sausage, Peppers, and Onions – Sheet Pan Dinner
Sliced sausage bakes with sweet peppers and onions until everything is browned and caramelized. The juices mix together in the oven for easy flavor. Serve it with rice, bread, or just as-is. Cleanup is simple, and the leftovers hold up well.
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Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Bitter greens and spicy sausage come together in this classic pasta dish. The broccoli rabe is blanched to soften the edge, then tossed with garlic, pasta, and sausage. A little parmesan ties it all together. Bold, quick, and satisfying.
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Sausage Parmigiana
This twist on a classic swaps in sausage links for chicken or eggplant. They’re simmered in sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked until melty. Serve over pasta or in a hoagie roll. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
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Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Pan-fried gnocchi gets crispy edges, then tossed with sausage and wilted greens. It all comes together in one skillet for easy cooking and cleanup. The sausage seasons everything without needing extra sauce. A fast, filling dinner.
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Recipe with Sauerkraut and Sausage
Sausage simmers with sauerkraut until the flavors meld and the tang mellows. Add potatoes or apples for sweetness. It’s bold, briny, and best served hot. A cold-weather favorite that keeps well.
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One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole
Everything cooks in one pot—rice, sausage, broth, and cheese—until the mixture is thick and creamy. The sausage flavors the rice as it cooks. It’s quick comfort food without needing the oven. Add peas or bell peppers if you want a little green.
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Sausage Curry
Sliced or ground sausage simmers in a tomato-based curry sauce with spices and garlic. Serve it over rice or with naan for a bold, cozy meal. It’s a fast way to shake up your usual sausage routine. Adjust the spice to your liking.
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Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Sliced sausage and cabbage cook down together until browned and tender. A little garlic or vinegar adds brightness. It’s simple, hearty, and good straight from the pan. A great weeknight dish that uses up what’s in the fridge.
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Cabbage and Sausage
This version keeps it simple, steamed or braised cabbage with browned sausage and butter or oil. Add a few red pepper flakes or caraway seeds for extra flavor. It’s clean and filling. Serve as-is or with boiled potatoes.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner
Chicken sausage bakes with seasonal vegetables like squash, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Everything roasts together for a balanced, one-pan meal. The sausage browns while the veggies soften. Great for weeknights or meal prep.
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Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut
This baked dish layers sauerkraut, sausage, and sometimes potatoes into one casserole. The baking helps mellow the sauerkraut and crisp the edges. It’s bold, tangy, and hearty. Serve hot from the oven with mustard on the side.
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Italian Sausage Pasta
Crumbled Italian sausage simmers in marinara and gets tossed with pasta and parmesan. It’s quick, bold, and always hits. Add crushed red pepper or fennel seeds for more kick. A reliable dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Cabbage gets a creamy twist in this unexpected pasta dish. The sausage brings salt and spice while the cabbage softens into the sauce. A full meal in one bowl. Great with fettuccine or short pasta shapes.
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Italian Sausage Meatballs
Ground sausage forms into meatballs for a rich, spiced take on the classic. Bake or pan-sear them, then simmer in sauce or serve plain. Good with pasta, on sandwiches, or over polenta. They freeze well too.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs
