Description
Rice and Italian Sausage is a warm, comforting, and flavorful one-pot dish combining the hearty texture of rice with the rich, spicy taste of Italian sausage. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal, this recipe features bold flavors, simple ingredients, and versatile variations to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or spicy)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown/jasmine rice)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, finely chopped (any color)
- 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, bell peppers, and garlic finely. Slice the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces or crumble if using ground sausage to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the sautéed vegetables and stir for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the grains, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the rice absorb all the flavors as it cooks until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Fluff: Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and mix the sausage evenly throughout before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage with natural casings for the best flavor and texture.
- Toasting the rice before simmering adds nutty notes and prevents mushiness.
- Adjust salt and seasoning gradually as Italian sausage can be naturally salty.
- Keep the dish covered after cooking to allow the rice to steam perfectly.
- Customize heat level by using spicy sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: rice, Italian sausage, one-pot meal, quick dinner, gluten free, comfort food, easy recipe