Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Polenta with Sausage is a hearty, soul-warming dish that represents the essence of rustic Italian comfort food. Creamy, soft polenta forms the perfect base for a rich, savory sausage sauce that is slow-simmered and deeply flavorful. I love this recipe because it transforms simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels both cozy and elegant. The contrast between the smooth polenta and the bold sausage topping makes every bite comforting and balanced. This dish is ideal for chilly evenings, relaxed family dinners, or when you want a filling meal without complicated steps. It is naturally gluten-free, endlessly customizable, and incredibly rewarding to prepare. If you enjoy traditional Italian flavors that feel timeless and nourishing, this polenta with sausage is a recipe you will want to make again and again.
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Italian Polenta with Sausage – Rustic, Comforting, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Creamy Italian polenta served with savory sausage in a rich tomato sauce—comforting, hearty, and perfect for a rustic Italian-style meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage slices and cook until browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Return sausage to skillet and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until thick.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve sausage and sauce over warm polenta and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Stir polenta frequently to prevent lumps.
- Add a splash of cream for extra-rich polenta.
- Leftover polenta firms up and can be grilled or fried.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Polenta cornmeal creates a creamy, comforting base with a mild corn flavor.
Water or broth forms the cooking liquid for the polenta.
Butter adds richness and a silky texture to the polenta.
Parmesan cheese enhances flavor with salty, savory depth.
Italian sausage provides bold, hearty flavor for the topping.
Olive oil helps brown the sausage and build flavor.
Onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic enhances aroma and savory notes.
Crushed tomatoes create a rich, saucy base.
Tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor.
Salt balances and enhances the dish.
Black pepper adds gentle heat.
Italian seasoning brings classic herb flavor.
Optional red pepper flakes add a touch of spice.
Optional fresh basil or parsley adds freshness before serving.
Directions
Begin by preparing the polenta. Bring water or broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Slowly whisk in the polenta cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt. Keep warm over very low heat.
While the polenta cooks, prepare the sausage sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into pieces, and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
To serve, spoon creamy polenta into bowls and top generously with the sausage sauce. Finish with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover polenta and sausage sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the polenta.
Variations and Customizations
Italian Polenta with Sausage is highly adaptable. For a lighter option, use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork. I tested this version with chicken sausage, and it remained flavorful while feeling slightly less rich.
You can also add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sausage sauce for extra texture. For a creamier polenta, replace part of the cooking liquid with milk or add extra butter and cheese.
If you enjoy stronger flavors, finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a spoon of ricotta on top. These variations allow you to customize the dish while preserving its comforting Italian character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 22 |
| Carbs (g) | 48 |
| Fat (g) | 26 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 10 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 6 |
| Sodium (mg) | 780 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Whisk constantly at first
This prevents lumps in the polenta.
Use low heat
Gentle cooking creates creamy texture.
Brown sausage well
Browning adds depth and richness.
Serve immediately
Polenta is best when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make polenta ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat with added liquid to restore creaminess.
Is polenta gluten-free?
Yes, polenta is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use instant polenta?
Yes, but traditional polenta has better texture and flavor.
What sausage works best?
Italian sausage, mild or spicy, works best.
Can I freeze this dish?
The sausage sauce freezes well; polenta is best fresh.
What can I serve with this?
A green salad or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Italian Polenta with Sausage is a comforting, rustic dish that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. With creamy polenta and savory sausage sauce, it is a timeless Italian-style meal perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you crave hearty comfort food made with simple ingredients.
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