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- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish If you can’t find chicken sausage, try turkey or pork sausage. Both add great flavor. You can swap the long-grain rice for brown rice, but it will need more water and time. For a veggie twist, use chopped mushrooms or zucchini instead of sausage. If you don’t have diced tomatoes, fresh tomatoes work too. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Look for chicken sausage that feels firm and has a bright color. When choosing rice, pick brands that have no broken grains. For onions and bell peppers, choose ones with smooth skin and no bruises. Fresh garlic should be firm and dry. When you buy tomatoes, choose those that smell sweet and feel slightly soft. Fresh parsley should be bright green and crisp. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This oil adds flavor and helps cook the sausage well. 2. Next, add 1 pound of sliced chicken sausage and brown it for about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning gives it a nice color and flavor. Once done, take the sausage out and set it aside. 3. In the same pot, toss in 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. 4. Now, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen. 5. Add 1 cup of rinsed long-grain rice to the pot. Toast the rice for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to enhance its flavor. 6. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine the flavors. 7. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This low heat cooks the rice evenly. 8. After 15 minutes, mix in the browned sausage and 1 cup of frozen peas. Gently fold everything together, then cover the pot again. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. 9. When done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice firm up. 10. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. - Heating Oil: Make sure the pot is hot enough before adding the oil. This helps the sausage brown nicely. - Browning Sausage: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed to get even browning. - Sautéing Vegetables: Stir often to prevent any burning and ensure even cooking. - Toasting Rice: Keep an eye on it; you want it to be slightly golden but not burnt. - Simmering: Always cover the pot to keep the steam in, which cooks the rice better. - Resting Time: This step is key for fluffier rice. Don't skip it! - Always wash your hands before and after handling raw sausage to avoid cross-contamination. - Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables. This keeps everything safe and clean. - Cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. - Store any unused sausage in the fridge to keep it fresh. To create the best One Pot Sausage and Rice, start with high-quality chicken sausage. Slice it thick for a hearty bite. Brown the sausage well; this adds flavor. Use a large pot or deep skillet for even cooking. When you sauté the onion and bell pepper, let them soften fully. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. Rinse the rice before adding it to remove extra starch. Toast it briefly to enhance its flavor. Mix in the chicken broth and spices for a rich taste. Cover the pot and simmer it gently to cook the rice evenly. Lastly, let the dish rest before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. One common mistake is not browning the sausage enough. This can dull the dish's flavor. Another error is skipping the rinsing of the rice. It can lead to sticky rice. Avoid overcooking the dish; it should be tender, not mushy. Stirring too often can also break the rice grains. Make sure to check the liquid level. If it looks dry, add a little more broth. Finally, don't forget the garnish. Fresh parsley adds color and brightness to your meal. You'll need a large pot or deep skillet for this recipe. A wooden spoon works best for stirring. Use measuring cups for accurate rice and broth amounts. A sharp knife helps slice the sausage and chop veggies easily. A cutting board is essential for safety. For serving, a large spoon will help dish out the rice nicely. Consider having a ladle handy if you want to serve it in bowls. A fork is great for fluffing the rice before serving. With these tools, you’ll cook with ease and confidence. Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor. Look for those that are minimally processed and contain natural ingredients. Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy during cooking. This ensures a fluffier texture in the final dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper according to your preference. Start with a little and add more if you like it spicier. Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing the rice. This helps the flavors meld and allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining moisture. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken sausage for many other proteins. Try pork sausage for a richer flavor. Turkey sausage offers a leaner option. If you like spice, look for andouille sausage. It brings a nice kick to the dish. You can also use smoked sausage for a deep, smoky taste. Each option changes the dish's character while keeping it simple. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, replace the sausage with plant-based options. You can use veggie sausage or even mushrooms for texture. Chickpeas add protein and heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. This way, you keep all the amazing flavors while making it plant-based. You can easily adjust the flavors in this recipe. Try adding cumin and coriander for an earthy touch. For a fresh note, add more herbs like basil or oregano. Adding spinach or zucchini can boost nutrition and flavor. If you want a kick, toss in some chili flakes or jalapeños. Experiment with your favorite spices to make this dish your own! To keep your One Pot Sausage and Rice fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep the flavors intact while preventing spoilage. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to the pot. Heat over low until warm, stirring often. For the microwave, cover the dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can freeze One Pot Sausage and Rice for later. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It will stay fresh for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave once thawed. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the liquid and cook time. Use 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and simmer for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. To spice it up, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes. For a milder dish, cut back on cayenne and use sweet bell peppers. You can also try adding a splash of hot sauce at the end. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. If you want something light, serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it gently before serving. Absolutely! This recipe works great for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness. This blog post covered the key parts of making one-pot sausage and rice. We discussed important ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned about variations to keep meals interesting and how to store leftovers for later use. Using these tips will help you create a tasty dish that suits your style. Try the recipe and explore your options. Enjoy the simple joy of cooking!

One Pot Sausage and Rice Delight

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken sausage, rice, and vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced chicken sausage and brown for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the pot and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, add the browned sausage back to the pot along with the frozen peas. Mix gently and cover again. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword easy meal, one-pot, rice, sausage