Sausage and Rice Skillet

Sausage and Rice Skillet

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This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that’s full of bold flavors and easy to make! Featuring savory Italian chicken sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and fragrant spices, this dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Finished with fresh basil and a drizzle of pesto, this gluten-free meal is both delicious and nutritious!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds cooked Italian chicken sausage, sliced (¼ inch thick)
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

  1. Brown the Sausage:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat.
    • Add the sliced sausage and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
    • Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables & Toast the Rice:
    • In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers.
    • Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in garlic and rice, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly toasted.
  3. Cook the Rice:
    • Add chicken stock, basil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper.
    • Return the sausage and juices to the skillet.
    • Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
    • Cook for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Finish & Serve:
    • Divide the sausage and rice into serving bowls.
    • Drizzle with pesto and top with fresh basil.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 431 kcal
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 68mg
  • Sodium: 1118mg
  • Sugar: 4g

This savory, protein-packed sausage and rice skillet is a one-pan wonder—perfect for a quick, hearty, and delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Rice Skillet

  • One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal dishes, minimal mess—everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
  • Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich chicken sausage, nutrient-dense vegetables, and fluffy rice, this dish is filling and comforting.
  • Bold, Rich Flavors: The Italian sausage, pesto, garlic, and basil create a dish that’s bursting with deep, savory flavors.
  • Great for Meal Prep: This skillet meal stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different sausages, rice varieties, or added veggies for your own twist.

What Makes This Dish So Flavorful?

The magic of this dish lies in its layered flavors. Here’s how each ingredient contributes to making this one-pan meal incredibly delicious:

Sausage: The Flavor Base

Using Italian chicken sausage ensures the dish is packed with savory goodness while keeping it leaner and lower in fat compared to pork sausage. The sausage is browned first, allowing it to release its juicy, spiced flavors, which will later infuse the rice as it cooks.

Vegetables: Sweetness & Depth

  • Red Bell Peppers: These add natural sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing out the richness of the sausage.
  • Red Onion: Provides a slightly tangy, caramelized depth when sautéed.
  • Garlic: A must-have for enhancing the overall flavor with a savory, aromatic kick.

Rice: Absorbing All the Goodness

Cooking the long-grain rice directly in the skillet with chicken stock and seasonings ensures that it absorbs all the rich flavors from the sausage, spices, and aromatics. The result? Every bite is packed with flavor!

Seasonings: Elevating the Taste

A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper enhances the dish with classic Italian flavors, complementing the sausage perfectly.

Pesto & Fresh Basil: A Gourmet Finish

The final touch is a drizzle of pesto and fresh basil, which brightens up the dish with herbaceous, garlicky, and slightly nutty flavors. This simple addition takes the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

How to Customize This Sausage and Rice Skillet

One of the best things about this one-pan meal is that it’s super adaptable. You can easily switch up the protein, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your preferences.

Swap the Sausage:

  • Turkey Sausage: A leaner option that still delivers a ton of flavor.
  • Spicy Andouille Sausage: Adds a Cajun twist with smoky, bold heat.
  • Chorizo: For a Spanish-inspired variation with a deeper, spiced flavor.
  • Vegetarian Sausage: Works great for a meat-free version while keeping the dish hearty.

Use a Different Rice Variety:

  • Brown Rice: A more fiber-rich alternative, though it requires a longer cooking time.
  • Quinoa: A protein-packed, gluten-free grain that absorbs flavors well.
  • Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that cuts down on calories but still provides texture.

Add More Vegetables for Extra Nutrients:

  • Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Adds extra freshness and mild sweetness.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Brings a juicy, slightly tangy contrast.
  • Spinach or Kale: Toss in leafy greens for added vitamins and minerals.
  • Mushrooms: Enhance the umami depth and pair wonderfully with sausage.

Make It Spicy:

  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
  • Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild for more heat.
  • Stir in spicy salsa or harissa for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve This Sausage and Rice Skillet

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with sides or toppings to make it even more exciting.

Pair It With:

  • A Side Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
  • Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Soaks up the delicious juices and pesto drizzle.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Try pairing it with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant.

Top It With:

  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
  • A Fried or Poached Egg: The runny yolk makes the dish extra creamy and rich.
  • Extra Pesto: For an herby burst of flavor in every bite.

How to Store & Reheat This One-Pan Meal

This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat on the Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken stock to loosen up the rice and warm over medium heat.
  • Reheat in the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.

Why This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a Must-Try

  • A one-pan meal that’s easy to make and clean up.
  • Bursting with bold, savory flavors from Italian sausage, garlic, and pesto.
  • Loaded with protein and nutrient-rich veggies.
  • Completely customizable to fit different diets and preferences.
  • Great for meal prep and perfect for leftovers.

Conclusion: A Delicious, Hearty Meal for Any Occasion

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something comforting and flavorful. The combination of juicy sausage, sautéed vegetables, perfectly cooked rice, and a drizzle of fresh pesto makes it an irresistibly satisfying dish.

 

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