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Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage

Listen, I love a slow-stirred, bubbling pot of Sunday polenta as much as anyone, but on a Tuesday night? We are slicing the pre-cooked tube and we are not apologizing for it. When you toss cubed tube polenta onto a pre-heated, screaming hot sheet pan alongside savory chicken sausage and bursting tomatoes, the polenta gets irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying creamy in the middle.

Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
4
easy
dinner
sheet-panweeknight-dinnercheat-code30-minute-meal+1

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Timeline

40 minutes
0m10m20m30m40m
Preheat Oven & Pan
15m
Prep Ingredients
8m
Season the Mixture
5m
Roast on Hot Pan
20m
Melt Parmesan
5m
Garnish & Serve

Ingredients

  • 1 (18oz) tube pre-cooked tube polenta(Plain or garlic flavored. Do not get the dry cornmeal, you want the solid log in the produce or pasta aisle.)
  • 1 (12oz) package pre-cooked chicken sausage(Italian, spinach-feta, or roasted garlic flavors work best.)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes(Leave whole so they burst in the oven.)
  • 1 (14oz) can quartered artichoke hearts(Packed in water, drained very well and patted dry.)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese(Freshly grated if you can swing it.)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil(Torn right before serving.)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Crucial step: place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. We want the pan screaming hot so the polenta sizzles and crisps the second it hits the metal.

    15 min

    Tip: Don't use glass or ceramic here; you need a standard aluminum baking sheet for maximum crispiness.

  2. 2

    While the oven preheats, cut 1 (18oz) tube pre-cooked tube polenta into 1-inch cubes. Slice 1 (12oz) package pre-cooked chicken sausage into thick coins. Drain 1 (14oz) can quartered artichoke hearts and pat them aggressively dry with a paper towel—moisture is the enemy of a good sheet pan roast.

    8 min

    Tip: Really squeeze those artichokes. The drier they are, the better the edges will caramelize.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed 1 (18oz) tube pre-cooked tube polenta, sliced 1 (12oz) package pre-cooked chicken sausage, dried 1 (14oz) can quartered artichoke hearts, and 1 pint cherry tomatoes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well so the polenta cubes are lightly coated in oil.

    5 min

    Tip: Don't skip the mixing bowl. Trying to toss this directly on the hot pan later will result in uneven seasoning and burned fingers.

  4. 4

    Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Immediately dump the seasoned mixture onto the pan (enjoy that sizzle!) and spread everything out into a single, even layer. Return to the oven and roast for 20 minutes.

    20 min

    Tip: Make sure the polenta cubes have some space around them so they roast rather than steam.

  5. 5

    Pull the pan from the oven. The tomatoes should be bursting and the polenta slightly golden. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and crispy.

    5 min

    Tip: If you want extra color, you can switch the broiler on for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch it like a hawk!

  6. 6

    Remove from the oven. Scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil over the hot sheet pan and serve immediately directly from the pan.

    2 min

    Tip: The heat from the pan will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its amazing aroma into the dish.

Chef's Notes

I am fiercely protective of your Tuesday nights. The pre-heated sheet pan is my absolute favorite trick for cheating a crispy sear without standing over a hot stove. If you have any leftovers (you probably won't), they reheat beautifully in an air fryer the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage take to make?

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage takes about 40 minutes total. That includes 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings.

What skill level is needed for Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage?

The main ingredients are: pre-cooked tube polenta, pre-cooked chicken sausage, cherry tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil.

What type of meal is Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage?

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Crispy Polenta & Chicken Sausage is categorized as: dinner.