Description
A hearty one-pan meal combining savory Italian sausage with tender rice, colorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings for a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step creates a flavorful base for the dish as the fat from the sausage is rendered and helps to season the entire skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the garlic from burning, which would create a bitter taste.
- Combine Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, which adds flavor to the dish. The liquid should just cover all ingredients.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid stirring during this time to allow the rice to cook properly.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and is well combined throughout the dish. The cheese adds a rich, salty finish that complements the savory sausage and tomatoes.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. The parsley adds a fresh note and bright color contrast to the dish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, use turkey Italian sausage instead of pork.
- Bell peppers of any color work well in this recipe – mix and match for extra color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg