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.
I love making this skillet dish on chilly evenings as it brings warmth and plenty of satisfaction with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 4 Italian sausages (about 400 g), sweet or spicy, sliced into thick rounds
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced, 2 bell peppers (red and yellow) sliced into strips, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce & Herbs: 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste, freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Polenta: 1 liter (4 cups) water, 1 teaspoon salt, 200 g (1 cup) coarse cornmeal (polenta), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
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 recipe has become a family favorite especially when shared around the table with warm bread and laughter.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barbera to complement the rich flavors.
Variations
For a vegetarian version substitute sausages with plant-based sausage or roasted mushrooms; add extra vegetables like zucchini for more variety.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Pin It 
This comforting skillet meal is sure to become a go-to dinner for any weeknight or special occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What sausages work best with this skillet dish?
Italian sausages, either sweet or spicy, are ideal for their bold flavor and juiciness that complement the peppers and herbs.
- → Can I prepare the polenta faster?
Yes, instant polenta can be used to reduce cooking time without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How can I add more vegetables to the skillet?
Sliced zucchini or mushrooms can be sautéed with the peppers and onions for extra texture and flavor.
- → What herbs enhance the tomato sauce best?
Dried oregano and thyme provide a classic Italian flavor, while fresh parsley or basil adds brightness at serving.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free dining?
Using gluten-free sausages ensures the entire dish remains gluten-free, while still full of flavor.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Barbera complements the richness of the sausage and tomato sauce.