Sausage and Peppers over Creamy Parmesan Polenta

A delicious medley of hot Italian sausage and peppers is spooned over creamy Parmesan polenta in this satisfying weeknight dinner recipe.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 36 mins
• Total Time: 56 mins
• Calories: 976 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt, divided
• 1 ¼ cups coarsely ground cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 (4 ounce) links hot Italian sausage
• 1 cup basil marinara sauce
• 5 large basil leaves, rolled and thinly sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine chicken stock, half-and-half, and 1 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan; cover and bring to a boil. Whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low; cook, whisking often, until polenta is soft, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add sausage links; cook, turning often, until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3

Stir remaining 1 teaspoon salt, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and oregano into the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low; pour in white wine. Stir in marinara sauce.

Step 4

Slice sausages and return to the skillet. Cook, covered, until no longer pink in the center, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and butter into polenta until melted. Season with black pepper. Divide polenta among 4 serving plates. Top with sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and basil.