Save to Pinterest 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 served this dish on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
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 (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
- 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 to Pinterest This meal brings everyone together in the kitchen and at the table, creating warm family memories with every delicious bite.
Notes
Use instant polenta for a faster preparation if desired Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety
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
Save to Pinterest 
This recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation thanks to its simplicity and hearty flavors
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausages work best for this dish?
Italian sausages, either sweet or spicy, provide the best flavor and texture when sliced thick and browned before simmering.
- → Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried in the sauce?
Yes, fresh oregano and thyme can be used, but add them later in cooking to preserve their bright flavors.
- → How can I make the polenta creamier?
Frequent stirring while cooking and adding butter and grated Parmesan help achieve a smooth, rich polenta texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish vegetarian?
Replace sausages with plant-based alternatives or roasted mushrooms to maintain the dish's hearty qualities.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?
Medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Barbera complement the savory, herby flavors beautifully.
- → Can this meal be prepared in advance?
Yes, prepare the sausage-pepper mixture ahead and reheat gently; polenta tastes best freshly made but can be reheated with added liquid.