If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting textures, and a hearty feel, this Italian Sausage and Tomato Rice Skillet Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender, savory Italian sausage mingling with fragrant herbs, sweet bell peppers, and tender rice simmered in a luscious tomato and broth base. It all comes together in one pan, making it a perfect weeknight winner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is both simple and satisfying, showcasing how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each component works in harmony to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this skillet dish irresistibly delicious.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or hot according to your spice preference; removing casings makes it perfect for crumbling and even cooking.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Provides a fluffy base that soaks up all the hearty flavors.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Bell pepper, any color, diced: Brings vibrant color and a natural sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the skillet with warm, aromatic notes.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The flavorful liquid that cooks the rice, enriching every grain.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained: Adds tangy brightness and moisture without watering down the dish.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Gives a classic Italian herbal touch.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Enhances the savory profile with subtle sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing the sausage and veggies, adding richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Tomato Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step releases all those savory, spiced flavors that form the foundation of the dish. Once browned, scoop the sausage out and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they soften and become fragrant, about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to let it burn. These aromatics build a sweet and savory base that complements the sausage perfectly.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir everything around to coat the grains with all the tasty oil, sausage drippings, and veggies. Toasting the rice for a minute or two enhances its nuttiness and prevents it from becoming sticky as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), along with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything well so the flavors meld and the rice is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Simmer with the Sausage
Return the browned sausage to the pan, mixing it through the rice and liquid. Bring the skillet to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the delicious liquid. The magic here is that the sausage infuses every bite with rich, meaty flavor.
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it up with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it piping hot, straight from the skillet to your plate.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Tomato Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley are always a winner here, adding brightness and a splash of color. You can also consider a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra savory touch or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to enhance the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side can add lovely acidity if you want to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet is fantastic as a one-pan meal, but if you want to round it out, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables can add variety in texture and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread can help you scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce-like mixture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the skillet at the table for a cozy, rustic vibe. If you’re thinking about entertaining, serve portions in individual ramekins or hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a fun presentation. This Italian Sausage and Tomato Rice Skillet Recipe really shines with a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s moisture. You can also microwave it covered in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat, or the rice might dry out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings a unique savory and spiced flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version. You might want to add extra seasoning like fennel or Italian herbs to mimic that sausage flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your sausage does not contain any fillers or additives that have gluten.
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through and stays tender.
What can I do if I don’t have bell peppers on hand?
No worries. You can swap bell peppers for other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for added greens. Each will change the texture and taste slightly but still keep the dish delicious.
How spicy is this dish if I use mild Italian sausage?
With mild sausage, the dish is generally not spicy unless you add the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the heat level by choosing hot sausage or increasing the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Tomato Rice Skillet Recipe is a delightful way to bring robust flavors and comforting textures to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Its vibrant colors, spicy sausage, and tender rice create a meal that’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want something satisfyingly homemade. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes in no time.
Print
Italian Sausage and Tomato Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining savory Italian sausage with tender long-grain rice, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Main Dish
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Rice: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the skillet, coating the grains with the oil and vegetable mixture. This helps toast the rice slightly and adds flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Add oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Dish: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and incorporate it evenly into the mixture. Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage and deciding whether to include the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For added vegetables, feel free to include diced zucchini or mushrooms during the sauté step.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the saltiness in the dish.
- If you prefer, swap the white rice for brown rice, but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
