Save to Pinterest A rustic, comforting skillet meal featuring juicy sausages, sweet bell peppers, and onions simmered in a herby tomato sauce, served over creamy polenta. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite because of its rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 sweet or spicy, sliced into thick rounds (about 400 g)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers: 2 (red and yellow), sliced into strips
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g)
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish
- Water: 1 liter (4 cups)
- Salt for polenta: 1 teaspoon
- Coarse cornmeal (polenta): 200 g (1 cup)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside on a plate.
- Step 2:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Return the sausages to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 5:
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6:
- While the sausage and peppers simmer, prepare the polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 liter (4 cups) water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until polenta is creamy and thick, about 10–12 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8:
- To serve, spoon creamy polenta onto plates. Top with sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Save to Pinterest This dish quickly became a staple for our family dinners and always sparks warm conversations around the table.
Additional Tips
Pair this meal with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barbera to enhance the flavors.
Variations
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Save to Pinterest This skillet sausage and peppers with creamy polenta is a delightful blend of hearty and comforting flavors perfect for any weeknight.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausages work best for this dish?
Italian sausages, whether sweet or spicy, provide the best flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based sausages for a vegetarian take.
- → How is the polenta prepared for this meal?
Polenta is cooked gradually by whisking cornmeal into boiling salted water, then simmered until creamy. Butter and Parmesan are stirred in at the end for richness.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, adding zucchini or mushrooms enhances variety and adds more depth to the dish’s flavor.
- → What herbs are used to flavor the tomato sauce?
Dried oregano and thyme provide earthy notes while fresh parsley or basil is used as a garnish to brighten the flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be gluten-free if sausages used do not contain gluten. Always check sausage ingredients to confirm.