Pan-Seared Italian Sausage with Tomato and White Wine Ragù

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Italian sausage pan-seared and simmered in a rich tomato and white wine ragù with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect over polenta or pasta. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 1 lb) Italian sausage links, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 Italian sausage links and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Remove the sausages and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return the sausages to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until sausages are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to add freshness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Italian Sausage with Tomato and White Wine Ragù take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Italian Sausage with Tomato and White Wine Ragù?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Italian Sausage with Tomato and White Wine Ragù?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Italian Sausage with Tomato and White Wine Ragù for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Italian Sausage with Tomato and White Wine Ragù?

Italian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.