Herb Cozy Skillet Sausage Peppers

Featured in: Simple One-Pot Comfort Meals

This comforting skillet features tender sausage slices cooked with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a savory herby tomato sauce. Served over smooth, creamy polenta enriched with butter and Parmesan, it creates a rustic, flavorful dinner ideal for cozy evenings. The blend of oregano, thyme, and fresh parsley adds depth, while caramelized veggies enhance sweetness. A perfect balance of textures and aromas makes this meal satisfying and easy to prepare in under an hour.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:03:00 GMT
Sizzling Herb-Cozy Skillet Sausage and Peppers atop a bed of creamy, golden polenta, ready to eat. Save
Sizzling Herb-Cozy Skillet Sausage and Peppers atop a bed of creamy, golden polenta, ready to eat. | saffronharbor.com

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

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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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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of Herb-Cozy Skillet Sausage and Peppers glistens with tomato sauce and fresh herbs on polenta. Save
A close-up of Herb-Cozy Skillet Sausage and Peppers glistens with tomato sauce and fresh herbs on polenta. | saffronharbor.com

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.

Enjoy a steaming bowl of Herb-Cozy Skillet Sausage and Peppers – the flavors of Italian comfort food. Save
Enjoy a steaming bowl of Herb-Cozy Skillet Sausage and Peppers – the flavors of Italian comfort food. | saffronharbor.com
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Rinse vegetables, wash cookware, and fill pots easily while cooking with flexible spray control.
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With simple ingredients and easy steps this recipe delivers hearty comfort perfect for any evening.

Herb Cozy Skillet Sausage Peppers

Juicy sausages simmered with bell peppers, herbs, and served on creamy polenta for a hearty meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Avery Watson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Proteins

01 4 Italian sausages, sweet or spicy, sliced into thick rounds (approximately 14 oz)

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
04 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce & Herbs

01 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
02 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
04 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Polenta

01 4 cups water
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make It

Step 01

Brown the sausages: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Incorporate sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 03

Cook garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine sausage and sauce: Return sausage to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 05

Simmer mixture: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Step 06

Prepare polenta: While sauce simmers, bring 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until creamy and thick, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 07

Finish polenta: Stir butter and Parmesan cheese into polenta until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 08

Serve: Plate creamy polenta and top with sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Details

Check all components for allergens, and connect with a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese, butter)
  • Possible gluten presence depending on sausage brand

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This info is just a guide and shouldn't replace a doctor's input.
  • Calories Count: 530
  • Fat content: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 23 g