How To Cook Italian Sausage on Stove

Sweet or mild Italian sausages are made with seasoned ground pork seasoned with fennel seeds with a slight licorice flavor. Hot Italian sausages have red pepper flakes added to give them a bit of spice. Learn how to cook Italian Sausage on stove to make the perfect quick and simple main dish that both kids and adults will love. 

Italian sausages are perfect for adding to salads, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and all your favorite Italian sausage recipes, but cooking them just right can be tricky. Cook Italian sausages too fast at too high of a temperature, and they can end up overcooked on the outside and raw on the inside. The casings can also split and fall off, causing the sausages to lose their shape. 

The key to cooking sausages on the stove is to heat them gradually, simmer them and brown them at the end of the process. Keep reading to learn how to cook Italian sausage perfectly every time. Your sausages will be done in less than 20 minutes, and no fancy tools or gadgets are required. 

And for even more helpful how-to recipes, check out my How To Cook Frozen Broccoli, How To Cook Canned Corn, and How To Cook Frozen Meatballs.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s Quick – Get perfectly cooked Italian sausages in under 20 minutes. 
• Sausages Are Versatile – Enjoy stove top Italian sausage as a main dish or add them to your favorite recipes.  
• They’re Diet Friendly – Italian sausages are gluten-free, low carb and keto friendly, so they are the perfect option for various diets.  

Ingredient Notes

• Italian Sausages – You can use either mild/sweet or hot Italian sausage links. 

Ready to learn how to cook Italian sausage on the stove? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Cook Italian Sausage on Stove

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Pour water into a large skillet to a depth of one inch. 
2. Place sausage in the skillet and bring the water to a simmer. Cook covered for 7-9 minutes. 
3. Remove the cover and continue to cook the sausages for another 5-6 minutes or until the water has evaporated and the sausages are cooked to temperature. 
4. Turn the sausage occasionally to brown evenly. 

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the sausage.

Expert Tips 

• Italian sausage is not the same as smoked sausage. 
• We recommend using fresh, uncooked sausage. The cook time may be slightly shorter if you purchase already-cooked sausages. 
• If you can’t cook Italian sausage within 2 days of purchasing Italian sausage, freeze for later use. 
• If the sausage is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking Italian sausage. Cooking sausage from frozen is not recommended.  
• Look for sweet Italian sausage or spicy Italian sausage. Choose one based on your recipe or preferred tastes. 
• Do not bring the water to a boil before adding the sausages. Allow the sausages to come up to temperature with the water for more even cooking. 
• Some people prefer frying Italian sausage in a bit of oil to brown the skins before adding water to boil Italian sausage. 
• Cook to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the sausage.
• You can also fry them with a bit of olive oil or butter at the end to make them extra golden.
• Serve Italian sausage cut or whole. 

Delicious Variations

• Add Onions and Peppers – Saute onions and bell peppers to serve beside the sausage, or add both to a bun for a flavorful sandwich. Top with mustard or marinara sauce and provolone cheese. 
• Add To Other Recipes – Slice cooked sausage and add to pasta, pasta sauce or put on top of pizza. It’s also delicious over salad.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – If planning to add the sausage to another recipe, you can cook this up to 2 days in advance. 
• Store – Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a bit of water. 
• Freeze – Freeze leftover sausage for up to 3 months. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• Italian Sausage in Air Fryer.
• Easy Air Fryer Sausages.
• Air Fryer Sausage Rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Frozen Brussels Sprouts.
• Instant Pot Orecchiette.
• Smothered Potatoes.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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