One-Pot Italian Sausage and Polenta Bake
A hearty, comforting Italian-inspired bake featuring spicy sausage and creamy polenta, layered with tomato sauce and melted cheese. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs Italian sausage, water, polenta (coarse cornmeal) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove casings from 12 oz Italian sausage and crumble into a large oven-safe skillet; cook over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Step 2: Pour in 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt, bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and garlic fragrance is noticeable.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden.
- Step 5: Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and polenta to firm up slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Polenta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 One-Pot Italian Sausage and Polenta Bake?
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 italian sausage from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Polenta Bake?
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 One-Pot Italian Sausage and Polenta Bake 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 One-Pot Italian Sausage and Polenta Bake?
Italian one pot 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.
