Savory One-Pot Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

When hunger strikes midday, a sausage and rice skillet delivers pure comfort in one delectable pan.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize your taste buds.

Tender sausage links nestle among fluffy rice grains, infusing each bite with robust seasoning.

This simple yet satisfying meal comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.

Protein-packed and filling, the skillet promises a delicious solution to dinner dilemmas.

Sauté, season, and serve – dinner is about to get seriously delicious.

Dive into this one-pan wonder that guarantees smiles around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Create Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Smoked Sausage: Adds robust, smoky flavor and hearty protein to the dish, choose a high-quality link with good seasoning and firm texture.
• Rice: Provides fluffy, filling base that absorbs rich cooking sauce, select long-grain white rice for best texture and consistent cooking.

• Bell Peppers: Brings sweet crunch and vibrant color, pick firm peppers with bright, glossy skin for maximum freshness.
• Onion: Creates foundational savory depth, select firm onions without soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor, choose plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates deep, tangy richness and helps thicken sauce, opt for high-quality paste in tube for easier measuring.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and layers of savory complexity, low-sodium versions allow better control of overall saltiness.
• Paprika, Cayenne: Contribute warm, slightly spicy undertones, use ground spices within six months for maximum potency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate all other flavors.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, bright garnish with subtle herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tool List for Sausage and Rice Skillet Prep

• Cast Iron Skillet: Large, heavy-duty pan perfect for even heating and creating delicious flavor.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for cooking rice according to package instructions.
• Whisk: Helps blend tomato paste and chicken broth smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping peppers, onions, and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate chicken broth and rice measurements.

Cooking Directions for Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Rice Preparation

Cook rice following package guidelines until fluffy and tender.

• Sausage Searing

Heat cast iron skillet, add oil, and brown sausage slices until golden and crispy on both sides. Transfer to a separate plate.

• Vegetable Sauté

Toss bell peppers and onions into the same skillet, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic, creating a fragrant base with salt and pepper.

• Sauce Creation

Whisk tomato paste with chicken broth, creating a rich, smooth sauce. Sprinkle in paprika and cayenne for depth and warmth.

• Final Blend

Combine cooked rice, seared sausage, sautéed vegetables, and remaining broth in the skillet. Stir gently to marry flavors and ensure everything is heated through. Scatter fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Expert Tips & Variation Ideas for Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Experiment with different sausage types like spicy Italian, chorizo, or chicken sausage to change the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
• Replace traditional rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for added nutrition and unique textures that complement the hearty sausage.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to dial heat up or down based on personal preference, making the skillet meal adaptable for mild or bold taste lovers.
• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more colorful, satisfying one-pan meals.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches or freezer-friendly dinners that reheat beautifully within 2-3 days.

Plating Sausage and Rice Skillet Like a Chef

• Rustic Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange the sausage and rice skillet in a deep ceramic plate with a rustic edge, allowing the colorful peppers and herbs to peek through the surface for an inviting visual appeal.
• Herb Sprinkle Finishing Touch: Generously scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top, creating a vibrant green contrast against the rich reddish-brown color of the dish, which adds both flavor and visual excitement.
• Family-Style Sharing Option: Transfer the entire skillet directly to the dining table, encouraging a communal dining experience where everyone can serve themselves and enjoy the warm, comforting meal together.
• Wine Pairing Companion: Complement this hearty skillet with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah, which will enhance the spicy sausage and robust flavors of the dish, creating a perfect meal experience.

Saving Sausage and Rice Skillet for Another Day

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare double quantities of this skillet recipe to enjoy multiple meals throughout the week. Store extra portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Cooked sausage and rice dish stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in containers. Always refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain optimal food safety and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion leftover skillet meals into individual containers before freezing. Consume within one month for best taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Reheating Pro Tips: When warming refrigerated or frozen sausage rice skillet, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally during reheating to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots. Low to medium heat works best to maintain the dish's original delicious consistency.

Hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage and rice skillet delivers comfort through rustic Italian-inspired flavors and simple ingredients. Home cooks can enjoy this one-pan meal that combines savory sausage, herbs, and perfectly cooked rice in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage
• 1.25 cups (250 g) white rice (uncooked)
• 5 tbsps tomato paste
• 1.25 cups (296 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ red bell pepper (sliced)
• ½ yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 small white onion (quartered and sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp kosher sea salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tbsps parsley (chopped)
• 2 tsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook rice according to package instructions in a saucepan, achieving perfectly fluffy grains.
2. Sausage Searing: Ignite a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with oil and carefully brown sausages until crisp and golden on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside.
3. Vegetable Infusion: In the same skillet, sauté peppers and onions until translucent and caramelized. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, allowing the aromatics to develop and intensify their flavors.
4. Sauce Development: Whisk tomato paste with chicken broth, creating a smooth, rich base. Introduce paprika and cayenne for complex flavor layers. Simmer briefly to marry the ingredients.
5. Final Assembly: Combine cooked rice, seared sausages, sautéed vegetables, and remaining broth in the skillet. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant finish to the one-pan meal.

Notes

• Sear Sausages Perfectly: Brown sausages on medium-high heat for exactly 5 minutes to develop a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Create Flavor Layering: Sauté vegetables in the same skillet after searing sausages to capture and enhance the delicious browned bits left behind.
• Build Sauce Complexity: Whisk tomato paste with chicken broth and add paprika and cayenne to create a rich, multidimensional sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sausage and provides visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg