Herb Cozy Skillet Sausage Peppers

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.

This dish has been a family favorite for years bringing warmth and hearty satisfaction to our weeknights.

Ingredients

• Italian sausages: 4 sweet or spicy sausages about 400 g sliced into thick rounds
• 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
• Black pepper: freshly ground 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

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This meal always brings my family together as we enjoy the comforting flavors and share stories from our day.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barbera and a light salad for a complete dinner.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Variations

Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety or swap herbs based on your taste.

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With simple ingredients and easy steps this recipe delivers hearty comfort perfect for any evening.