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
Scale
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.
