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Easy Sheet Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers with Creamy Polenta

easy sheet pan italian sausage and peppers - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan dinner featuring savory Italian sausage and roasted peppers paired with smooth, creamy Parmesan polenta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal combines bold flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 Italian sausage links (about 1 pound / 450 g), sweet or spicy
  • 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips
  • 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup coarse ground cornmeal (polenta) (about 160 g)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Slice bell peppers and red onion; mince garlic.
  3. On a large sheet pan, arrange sausages, peppers, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning sausages and stirring veggies halfway through. Sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and peppers should be tender.
  5. While roasting, bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  6. Slowly whisk in polenta to avoid lumps, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy. Add broth or water if too thick.
  7. Stir in butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
  8. Serve polenta on plates topped with roasted sausage and peppers. Drizzle pan juices over the top.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even roasting and caramelization. Let sausages rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting for even cooking. Stir polenta frequently to prevent lumps and sticking. If polenta thickens too fast, keep warm on low heat with occasional stirring. Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausages reach 160°F (71°C). For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with vegan alternative. Polenta can be swapped with cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage, peppers, sheet pan dinner, creamy polenta, easy weeknight meal, roasted vegetables, comfort food