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.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening and it brought warmth and smiles to the whole family as we gathered around the table.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 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
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish
- Water: 1 liter (4 cups) for polenta
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for polenta
- Coarse cornmeal: 200 g (1 cup) for polenta
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons for polenta
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup) for polenta
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 recipe always brings the family together for a cozy and satisfying dinner moment.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid saucepan whisk cutting board and knife wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese butter) possible gluten depending on sausage brand double-check sausage ingredients for gluten or other allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 530 total fat 30 g carbohydrates 37 g protein 23 g per serving
Save 
Serve this hearty skillet dish fresh and garnished to enjoy the full depth of its flavors and aromas.
Your Questions Answered
- → What type of sausages work best?
Italian sausages, either sweet or spicy, provide the authentic flavor and juicy texture ideal for this skillet dish.
- → Can I substitute polenta with another base?
Yes, creamy mashed potatoes or soft risotto can be used as alternatives to polenta for a different texture.
- → How do I make the sauce richer in flavor?
Simmering with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, and including sautéed garlic and onions, enhances the depth of the tomato-based sauce.
- → What’s the best way to cook the peppers and onions?
Cook them in olive oil over medium heat until they soften and lightly caramelize, which develops sweetness and adds complexity.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, the sausage mixture can be made ahead and gently reheated. Polenta is best cooked fresh but can be warmed with a bit of added liquid.