20-Minute Weeknight Wonder

Chicken Sausage Stir Fry recipe

Easy Tomato Basil Polenta recipe

A quick and healthy dinner that makes a weeknight feel special?  Now you are speaking my language.  That's why I just love my Chicken Sausage Stir Fry and Easy Tomato Basil Polenta.  This dinner is super fast, super colorful, and full of flavor.

I remember when I was testing out these two recipes.  It was late on Friday and I thought I nearly had it.  I spooned a heaping scoop of tasty polenta on a plate and topped it with beautifully browned chicken sausage and softened vegetables.

Right then, Patrick opened the front door.  I grabbed a fork and bolted to the door.  I don't even think I said hi.  I just ran right up to him with a fork-full of steaming hot food and said, "Tell me what you think."  He gave me a big smile and just opened his mouth.

I held my breath as he chewed and chewed.  Did he like it?  Was the testing done?  Then, all of a sudden, he closed his eyes and raised his eyebrows (it's what he does when something tastes really, really good).  I smiled.  I knew it!  I had two home run recipes right then and there.   

These dishes couldn't be easier.  I start by browning Italian chicken sausage that already comes fully cooked.  Then I use white wine to loosen up all those yummy brown bits and let the vegetables cook in all that flavor.  The whole process takes less than 15 minutes!

I love to serve the Chicken Sausage Stir Fry over a bed of Easy Tomato Basil Polenta. Polenta usually refers to yellow cornmeal that is cooked for a long period of time until it is like the consistency of grits.  And hey, I'm usually all for the cook-from-scratch method.   But on a busy weeknight, sometimes I just need a short-cut.  

In this case, I use pre-cooked polenta and just add more fresh flavors like chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and shaved Parmesan cheese. (Oh yea, and the whole process takes 7 minutes!)  Quick, healthy, and beautiful.  Brilliant!