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 recipe brings the warm flavors of Italy to my kitchen and has become a favorite for busy weeknights when I want cozy comfort food without too much fuss.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausages: 4 sausages (about 400 g), sweet or spicy, sliced into thick rounds
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large yellow, 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 (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
- 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) for polenta
- 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 to 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 to 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 I cherish serving this skillet dinner to my family on cool evenings; it brings warmth and happy memories to our table.
Vegetarian Variation
For a vegetarian version substitute sausages with plant-based sausage or roasted mushrooms for a satisfying alternative.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this meal with medium-bodied red wines such as Chianti or Barbera to complement the rich flavors.
Additional Tips
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish with more textures and nutrients.
Pin it 
This hearty skillet dish is easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful, perfect for any cozy dinner night.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different types of sausages?
Yes, both sweet and spicy Italian sausages work well. For variety, plant-based sausages can replace meat versions.
- → How do I make the polenta creamy?
Slowly whisk cornmeal into boiling salted water and cook on low while stirring frequently until thick and smooth. Adding butter and Parmesan boosts creaminess.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Sliced zucchini or mushrooms complement the dish nicely, adding texture and flavor.
- → What herbs enhance the sauce?
Dried oregano, thyme, and fresh parsley or basil provide aromatic depth and balance the tomato base.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be gluten-free if sausages without gluten are chosen. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.