Enjoy this easy Italian Comfort Trio featuring creamy polenta, tomato-braised chicken, and white bean ragù. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Content:
Are you craving a meal with rich Italian flavors that’s both simple and comforting? This Italian Comfort Trio offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Dish 1: Sautéed Sausages with Creamy Polenta and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 Italian sausages
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup polenta (instant or traditional)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Prepare the Polenta: Bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta to avoid lumps, then reduce the heat and cook until thickened (5 minutes for instant polenta, longer for traditional). Stir in butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. For more polenta ideas, check out this polenta recipe guide from The Spruce Eats.
- Cook the Sausages: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and thoroughly cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Set them aside when done.
- Sauté Cherry Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates and top with sausages and tomatoes. Finally, garnish with parsley.
Dish 2: Spinach with Tomato-Braised Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- cup baby spinach
- glass tomato sauce
- calyx onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce: Set the chicken aside and add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, then add the tomato sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. For more braised chicken ideas, take a look at Bon Appétit’s braised chicken recipes.
- Braise the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve Over Spinach: Arrange fresh baby spinach in a serving bowl, top it with the braised chicken, and spoon some sauce over it. Garnish with chopped basil.
Dish 3: White Bean Ragù
Ingredients:
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- small carrot, diced
- celery stalk, diced
- small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: First, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients for Ragù: Then, add the white beans and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, stirring well to combine. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. For more traditional Italian ragù options, explore Serious Eats’ guide to ragù.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the ragù to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley.
Why This Recipe Works
This Italian Comfort Trio brings together various textures and flavors for a meal that’s satisfying and cozy. The creamy polenta contrasts with the crispy, seared sausages, while the fresh spinach complements the rich tomato-braised chicken. Additionally, the hearty white bean ragù completes the meal. For more Italian-inspired dishes, don’t miss our collection of Italian recipes and pasta recipes for added inspiration.
Combining these dishes provides a versatile meal that’s ideal for special occasions or casual weeknights. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a midweek treat, this trio is sure to impress.