Description
This Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful, one-pan meal combining smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender rice in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a comforting blend of spices with easy customization options to suit Italian or Cajun tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 12 oz package smoked sausage
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 5 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a small saucepan, prepare the white rice according to the package instructions until fully cooked and fluffy. Set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, and once hot and shimmering, add the smoked sausage. Cook the sausage until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and the sliced white onion. Sauté the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Create the Sauce: Add the tomato paste to the skillet along with about 3/4 cup of the chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper to add depth and a slight kick.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet. Pour in the remaining chicken broth. Stir everything together until fully combined and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the sausage and rice skillet with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- For an Italian twist, substitute smoked sausage with Italian sausage and add 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
- For a Cajun variation, use andouille sausage and 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
