Italian Sausage and Peppers with Creamy Polenta

If you need a warm and filling meal that feels cozy but is still simple to make, this Italian sausage and peppers with creamy polenta is the perfect choice. The sausage turns golden and juicy, the peppers become soft and sweet, and the polenta is smooth and creamy. Every bite is rich, savory, and comforting. This is one of those quick dinner ideas that tastes like it cooked all day, but it comes together without stress. It is hearty, budget friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want real comfort food on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage links, mild or spicy
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup polenta or yellow cornmeal
• 4 cups water or broth for polenta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced peppers and onions. Cook until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, then return the sausage to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked.
5. While the sausage simmers, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil in a pot. Slowly whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps.
6. Reduce heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until thick and creamy.
7. Stir butter and Parmesan cheese into the polenta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls. Top with sausage and peppers. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Not browning the sausage first. Browning adds deep flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
• Adding polenta too fast. Always whisk slowly to avoid lumps.
• Cooking on high heat. Gentle simmering keeps the sausage tender and the peppers sweet.
• Skipping seasoning. Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper.

Tips For Success

• If you want a lighter option, choose chicken or turkey sausage for one of your healthy dinner ideas.
• Short on time? Use quick cooking polenta to save a few minutes.
• Want extra flavor? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for a slight tang.
• This dish also works well if you slice the sausage before cooking, which makes it similar to other ground meat recipes in texture.

If you enjoy sausage meals, you might also love this easy one pot Cajun sausage pasta for another simple family dinner. Or try this creamy and comforting creamy Italian sausage tortellini recipe for a rich pasta option.

How To Serve

Serve this Italian sausage and peppers with creamy polenta hot and fresh. The polenta should be soft and smooth, almost like mashed potatoes. The sausage should be juicy with slightly crisp edges. Add a simple green salad on the side for balance. This dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.

It makes a great choice for cheap dinners for a family because it uses simple ingredients but feels special. It is one of those supper ideas that works for both busy weeknights and relaxed Sunday dinners.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Top with shredded mozzarella for a melty finish.
• Mix in fresh basil for a bright flavor.

If you like smoky sausage flavors, you may also enjoy this comforting creamy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage. For a heartier baked dish, try this flavorful easy Cajun sausage with scalloped potatoes. And if you enjoy bold meat combinations, this easy corned beef recipe with Italian sausage is worth a look.

Italian Sausage and Peppers with Creamy Polenta

This Italian sausage and peppers with creamy polenta is pure comfort in a bowl. Juicy sausage, sweet peppers, and rich sauce sit on top of smooth, buttery polenta. It is warm, filling, and full of simple flavor. Easy enough for busy nights, cozy enough for Sunday dinner. One bite and you will want it again.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sausage and Peppers

• 1 pound Italian sausage links mild or spicy
• 2 bell peppers sliced
• 1 large onion sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth

Creamy Polenta

• 1 cup polenta or yellow cornmeal
• 4 cups water or broth for polenta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Medium Saucepan

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced peppers and onions. Cook until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, then return the sausage to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked.
5. Bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps.
6. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until thick and creamy.
7. Stir butter and Parmesan cheese into the polenta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Spoon creamy polenta into bowls. Top with sausage and peppers and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking. You can also slice the sausage before browning for a different texture. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store polenta separately for best texture.

Make Ahead And Storage

This recipe is great for lazy dinners and meal prep. Store leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the polenta separate if possible.

To reheat, warm the sausage mixture in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed. Reheat polenta with a little milk or water to bring back its creamy texture.

You can also freeze the sausage and peppers for up to 2 months. The polenta is best fresh, but it can be frozen and sliced later for pan frying.

FAQs

Can I use ground sausage instead of links?
Yes, you can. Brown it the same way you would for other ground sausage recipes for dinner. It will cook a bit faster and mix easily with the peppers.

Is this recipe good for busy weeknights?
Yes. It is one of those quick dinner ideas that feels special but is simple. You can even cook the sausage and peppers in a slow cooker for a version that fits dump and go crockpot dinners.

Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. Skip the butter and cheese in the polenta and use olive oil instead. It will still be creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

This Italian sausage and peppers with creamy polenta is warm, hearty, and full of simple flavor. It is easy enough for weeknights but comforting enough for weekends. The creamy base and savory topping make every bite satisfying. If you are looking for new hamburger meat recipes or kielbasa recipes, this dish is a great place to start with bold sausage flavor.

Save this recipe for later and share it on Pinterest so you always have a cozy dinner ready to make. This is one meal you will want to come back to again and again.