Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender long-grain white rice, and aromatic vegetables simmered together with herbs and tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a balanced meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Rice
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Toast the rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat the rice with the oil and vegetable mixture, helping to enhance its flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer with sausage: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor or to make it halal depending on the sausage used.
- Make sure to keep the skillet covered during simmering to properly cook the rice through steam.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
