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