Description
This **Hearty Polenta with Sausage** is a rustic Italian classic that pairs creamy, cheesy polenta with savory sausage in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or weeknight comfort food, this dish is both affordable and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup polenta (coarse ground cornmeal)
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes or mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown sausage, breaking into crumbles. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the Polenta: In a saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until creamy. Stir in butter, Parmesan, and cream (if using).
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon polenta into bowls and top with sausage sauce. Garnish with parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For faster prep, use quick-cooking or instant polenta.
- Use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Polenta and sausage sauce can be made ahead and reheated with extra broth or milk.
- Turn into a casserole by layering polenta, sausage sauce, and mozzarella, then baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Italian
- Method: Simmering, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Hearty Polenta with Sausage, Italian Polenta Recipe, Creamy Polenta with Sausage, Polenta Dinner, Comfort Food Polenta