Pin It 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 cozy skillet dinner brings the warmth of Italian-Inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 Italian sausages (about 400 g) sweet or spicy 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: 1 teaspoon
- Coarse cornmeal (polenta): 200 g (1 cup)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup) grated
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
Pin It This dish always brings my family together especially on chilly evenings when warm comfort food is needed the most
Notes
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety Use instant polenta for a faster preparation if desired
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid Saucepan Whisk Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (Parmesan cheese butter) Contains Possible gluten depending on sausage brand Double-check sausage ingredients for gluten or other allergens
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Enjoy this flavorful skillet meal that combines ease and heartiness in every bite
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausages, either sweet or spicy, provide the ideal balance of flavor and texture for this dish.
- → Can I make the polenta ahead of time?
Yes, polenta can be prepared in advance and gently reheated with a bit of butter or water to restore creaminess.
- → How do the herbs influence the flavor?
Dried oregano and thyme add earthy, aromatic notes that complement the sausage and roasted peppers beautifully.
- → Is it possible to use instant polenta?
Instant polenta can be a time-saving alternative and works well without compromising the dish’s creamy texture.
- → What are good garnishes for this meal?
Fresh chopped parsley or basil add a bright, herbal freshness that enhances the overall flavor and presentation.