Sausage Rice Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients like Italian sausage and rice into a cozy, flavorful masterpiece perfect for a chill night in. The smoky paprika and fresh parsley give it that extra zing that takes my taste buds on a delightful ride and makes me feel like a culinary genius with minimal effort.

The flavors in my Sausage Rice recipe are comforting, but I also feel they verge on the magical: Italian sausage balanced with (or possibly overshadowed by) tons of aromatics—garlic and onion, in particular. Then there’s the long-grain white rice, which is the hybrid of the fluffy and the nutty, the nutritious and the al dente (if you do it right).

And it simmers in chicken broth, of all things.

Ingredients

• Long-Grain White Rice: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor and depth to the dish.
• Italian Sausage: Rich in protein and spices; key flavor component.
• Onion: Enhances flavor with natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth and health benefits.
• Bell Pepper: Provides vitamins, a touch of sweetness, and color.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy heat to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: Adds color, sweetness, and essential nutrients.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers freshness and a vibrant finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, sliced, and cook it until it reaches a nice brown color, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Take the sausage out of the skillet and set it aside, but leave the drippings in the pan.

3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

4. Add the garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Mix the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper well with the vegetables.

6. Place the rice in the skillet and stir it into the vegetable mixture until the grains are well coated, slightly toasted, and the whole thing is heated through, about 2 minutes.

7. Add the chicken broth, and use a spatula to dislodge any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

8. Put the sausage back in the skillet, and take the mixture to a slow simmer. Put a lid on the pan.

9. Cut the heat to low and let everything cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

10. Add the frozen peas and let them heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Before you serve the soup, sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with a lid
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Heat-resistant spatula

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?Certainly, but you will have to modify the cooking time and perhaps the amount of liquid since brown rice requires more time to become tender.
• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?You can use any kind of sausage you prefer, but the kind of sausage we’ve had the best results with is Italian sausage. You’ll want to adjust the seasonings accordingly if you use a different kind.
• Is there a vegetarian alternative to the sausage?Certainly! One could use plant-based sausages in place of the meat or simply amp up the veggies for a truly vegetarian take on this cozy dish.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Indeed, you can make it ahead of time and warm it up just before serving. The flavors get even better over time—messy delightful spooning guaranteed.
• What can I use instead of chicken broth?Alternatives to chicken broth include vegetable broth, or water with a bouillon cube.
  
• How do I store leftovers?Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for no longer than four days. Otherwise, store in the freezer.
• Can I add other vegetables?Of course, you can add vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, depending on your palate.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of white, long-grain rice: For a fragrant twist, substitute with basmati rice or jasmine rice.
2 cups chicken broth: You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1 lb Italian sausage, sliced: Substitute turkey sausage or chorizo for a different flavor.
1 onion, chopped: For a milder taste, substitute shallots for the onion.
1 bell pepper, chopped: For a bit of spice, try using a poblano pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the Sausage Well: Take your time when browning the sausage. Getting a deep brown color will enhance the overall flavor of the dish with delicious caramelized notes.