Description
Creamy Sausage Ragu with Cheesy Polenta Bowls is a comforting and hearty meal combining slow-simmered Italian sausage ragu with smooth, cheesy polenta. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish offers rich, balanced flavors and a creamy texture that makes every bite satisfying. Ideal for family meals, date nights, or meal prep, it’s versatile and easy to customize with pantry staples or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sausage Ragu
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
For the Cheesy Polenta
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter or a splash of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage ragu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in diced onions and minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Keep warm.
- Cook the polenta: Bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until thickened and smooth, about 20-30 minutes (less for instant polenta).
- Add cheese to the polenta: Remove the polenta from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and butter or a splash of cream to achieve a silky, cheesy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the bowls: Ladle creamy polenta into bowls and spoon generous amounts of the sausage ragu on top. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Brown the sausage well to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Simmer the ragu slowly to deepen the sauce’s flavor complexity.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Stir polenta constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout to balance salt and pepper perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg