Griddled Italian Sausage and Peppers with Polenta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savor smoky Italian sausage paired with sautéed bell peppers and creamy polenta for a hearty Chicago-inspired dinner. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, polenta for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 Italian sausage links and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove sausages and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until the peppers soften and edges caramelize, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook, whisking frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil into the polenta. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve the sliced sausages atop the polenta with sautéed peppers spooned over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Griddled Italian Sausage and Peppers with Polenta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Griddled Italian Sausage and Peppers with Polenta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Griddled Italian Sausage and Peppers with Polenta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Griddled Italian Sausage and Peppers with Polenta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Griddled Italian Sausage and Peppers with Polenta?

Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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