Description
Creamy Sausage Ragu with Cheesy Polenta Bowls is a hearty, comforting dish combining a luscious, savory Italian sausage ragu with smooth, parmesan-infused polenta. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe balances rich flavors, creamy textures, and easy preparation, making it a versatile and soulful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Ragu
- 1 lb Italian sausage (fresh, casing removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes (crushed or diced)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheesy Polenta
- 4 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or extra thyme)
- Extra grated parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of high-quality olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, building the flavor foundation for the ragu.
- Build the Ragu Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors together. Stir in the heavy cream gradually to create a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Polenta: While the ragu simmers, bring water or broth to a boil in a separate pot. Slowly whisk in the polenta and cook according to package instructions until thick and smooth, about 25-30 minutes. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt as needed.
- Assemble the Polenta Bowls: Ladle the cheesy polenta into serving bowls and generously top with the creamy sausage ragu. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, extra parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor in the ragu.
- Stir the polenta frequently while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a creamy texture.
- Allow the ragu to simmer adequately to deepen flavors and tenderize the sausage.
- Add heavy cream slowly into the hot ragu to avoid curdling and maintain a smooth sauce.
- Season throughout the cooking process and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: sausage ragu, cheesy polenta, creamy polenta bowl, Italian dinner, comfort food, gluten free, easy weeknight meal
