Ok, so you want to know how to make any recipe taste better? You can do two things: Add garlic or add sausage. Garlic is kinda cheating though. Also, sausage can be added to anything. (Hot tip: If you're not using the meat inside the casing, make sure to cook the sausage meat in a super hot cast-iron skillet so you get it nice and charred.) Sausage is crazy versatile: the classic fennel and chili spices meld together to elevate any sauce or rice dish. If you're making a tomato sauce that's falling flat no matter how many herbs you add, throw in a little sausage and you'll have yourself a ragu worth gloating about.
Let's not forget about the Southern sausage recipe that is the kahuna of all hangover cures—that's right, we're talking about biscuits and sausage gravy. Bonus points if you make the biscuits from scratch—it's half the magic.
Sausage, salami and cured meats are preserved using old salting, brining and smoking techniques which make them ideal for longer storage times. Even these days, sausage stores really well in the freezer, so if you're in a pinch and need an Italian sub or want to up your pasta game on any given night, reach for your new fave ingredient. It thaws quickly and won't take up too much room. Plus: pre-portioned links make it easy to use the right amount.
Just in case you don't have enough nonna inspo—here are 49 Italian Dinner Recipes to keep this party going!
Baked Mostaccioli
The sausage-filled cousin of baked ziti, this dish will become a favorite of any pasta-loving family.
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Best Ever Sausage Gravy
This creamy breakfast sauce is dreamy with hints of fennel in the sausage.
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Italian Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are packed with all of the flavor—and healthy too!
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Sausage Stuffing
Stuffing isn't only for Thanksgiving. If it's not in your dinner side rotation, you best add it!
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Sausage Dip
Who know sausage went well in dip? We did. We knew.
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Sausage & Peppers
Try this recipe in a roll or on top of pasta!
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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
This quick and easy linguine recipe will become a new weeknight favorite.
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Best Italian Sausage Sub
Garlic Butter goes well on everything but we love what it adds to these hearty sandwiches.
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Sausage Ball Bites
These apps are a favorite of ours and are flavor bombs!
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Sweet Potato Lasagna
This dish is a sweet and heart healthy take on a classic Italian American lasagna that you're gonna love.
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Slow-Cooker Sausage & Peppers
Super satisfying and super easy.
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Cheesy Italian Rice with Sausage
This rice dish is filled with sausage, spinach and tons of cheese.
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Spicy Turkey Sausage and Kale Chili
This Italian-inspired chili is packed with spicy turkey sausage and leafy kale for a tomato-y chili.
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Slow-Cooker Sausage and White Bean Soup
Beat those winter blues with this comforting soup.
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Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini
Zucchini boats stuffed with sausage and breadcrumbs is the bomb low-carb dinner.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Skillet Ravioli Lasagna with Spicy Italian Sausage
This cheater's lasagna is genius: You start with simmering marinara in a skillet, add ravioli and cooked sausage, and top it off with cheese for a melty one-pot meal.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Sienna is a senior editor at Hearst. She lives in California with her husband and two littles.
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