There’s something about sausage and peppers that takes me straight back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. She’d always have something sizzling on the stove, filling the kitchen with that unbeatable mix of garlic, onions, and spice.
The way she’d pile it over a warm, creamy base made every bite feel like a hug. But these days, I keep things gluten-free and a little lighter, without losing any of that soul-satisfying flavor.
So, let’s make a dish that brings all that comfort—without the gluten. Sweet and smoky sausage, caramelized peppers, and onions, all served over a dreamy, buttery polenta.
It’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with big flavors. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients, just real, fresh food you can grab at any grocery store.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan in the polenta or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
- Go Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Swap the Protein: Try turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Extra Creamy Polenta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for added richness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The sausage and peppers reheat beautifully, making this a great meal-prep dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of sautéed greens, like spinach or kale, for an extra nutrition boost.
- Add a glass of red wine for an Italian-style dinner.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Polenta firms up, so just add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Smoky Gluten-Free Sausage & Peppers Over Creamy Polenta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy sausage, caramelized peppers, and onions over creamy polenta. This gluten-free meal is comforting, simple, and perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb gluten-free Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice lovers)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Polenta:
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground for best texture)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, skip for dairy-free)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausages whole and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. (No need to cook through yet.)
- Remove them from the pan, slice them into rounds, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers & Onions
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions and bell peppers.
- Cook on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until they soften and get slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
- Return the sliced sausage to the pan.
- Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and broth, stirring everything together.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Polenta
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter, Parmesan (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon a generous amount of polenta onto a plate or shallow bowl.
- Top with the sausage and peppers, making sure to drizzle some of that delicious sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers separately in airtight containers.
- Polenta thickens as it cools; reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
