This Italian Sausage and Rice is a hearty, flavorful one-skillet meal that pairs savory Italian sausage with sautéed vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender rice. It delivers a satisfying mix of textures and balanced flavors, making it an excellent option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Italian Sausage and Rice
This dish is quick and simple to prepare, yet the result tastes far from basic. Browned Italian sausage builds a rich foundation, while diced bell peppers, onion, and celery add sweetness and body. Roasted garlic tomatoes provide brightness, and Hungarian paprika introduces a warm, smoky depth. Cooked together in one skillet, the rice absorbs all the savory juices for a comforting, cohesive meal.
The recipe is flexible: substitute different sausage types, swap vegetables, or adjust the heat to suit your family’s preferences. Because it uses common pantry ingredients, it’s a convenient choice for busy evenings. Cooking everything in one pan not only concentrates flavor but also keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this suitable for cooks of all levels.
- More Veggies: A simple way to include extra vegetables in a main dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: Reheats well and makes dependable leftovers for lunches.
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: Italian sausage combined with paprika and roasted garlic creates a satisfying savory profile.
Recipe Shopping List
No special trips required—most ingredients are pantry or grocery staples. Quantities and exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.
- Italian sausage links – Choose mild or hot based on taste; browning them first improves texture and flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- Red and yellow bell peppers – Add sweetness and color.
- Onion – Builds savory depth.
- Celery – Provides texture and a subtle aromatic note.
- Roasted garlic diced tomatoes – Adds acidity and a mellow garlic flavor.
- Hungarian paprika – Key to the dish’s smoky-sweet flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – Boost the savory profile.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes – Optional, for extra heat.
- Long-grain or jasmine rice – Avoid quick-cook rice for best texture.
- Chicken broth – Cooks the rice and adds depth.
- Chopped parsley – Fresh garnish to finish the dish.
How To Make This Recipe
A quick overview of the method so you know what to expect. Follow the full steps in the recipe card below when you’re ready to cook.
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium and brown the sausage links 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt butter in the same skillet, then add diced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
- Add seasoning and rice: Stir in the roasted garlic tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), rice, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly.
- Slice and return the sausage: Cut the browned sausage into rounds and nestle them back into the skillet.
- Simmer until done: Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. Add another 1/4 cup of broth if the mixture looks dry before the rice finishes cooking.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Recipe FAQ
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes. Prepare ahead and refrigerate; it reheats well for lunches or quick dinners.
How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. Substitute any sausage you prefer, including chicken or turkey sausage.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serve This With
- Grilled zucchini
- Grilled broccolini
- Cheddar garlic biscuits
- Greek salad
More Recipes To Try
- Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
- Traeger Feta Pasta
- Chopped Italian Sandwich
- Blackstone Italian Dunkers
- Cheesy Italian Shells
- Pepperoni Rotini Bake
- Greek Chicken Bowl
Italian Sausage and Rice
This cozy one-pot meal comes together quickly and offers just enough heat to keep it interesting. It’s a dependable recipe to add to your regular rotation.
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausage links
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, minced
- 1 can roasted garlic diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausages in a large skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
- Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the diced peppers, onion, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the roasted garlic diced tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, rice, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
- Slice the browned sausage links into rounds and return them to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Recommended Tools
- Large cutting board
- 7″ Santoku or chef’s knife
- Medium to large heavy skillet or saucier
Nutrition Information
Yield: 6 servings • Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate):
Calories: 280 • Total Fat: 18g • Saturated Fat: 8g • Cholesterol: 40mg • Sodium: 870mg • Carbohydrates: 18g • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 4g • Protein: 12g
Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a trusted source if you need precise values for medical or dietary tracking.
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