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To make One Pot Sausage and Rice, you need a handful of tasty ingredients. Here’s the list to get you started: - 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage, sliced - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients make for a hearty and satisfying meal. Each one brings its own flavor to the dish. The spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick. The rice absorbs all the rich flavors, making each bite delicious. The vegetables provide color and crunch. Plus, the seasonings enhance the taste, making it a dish you will love. Don't forget the peas for a pop of sweetness and the parsley for a fresh finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of sliced spicy Italian sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage and set it aside. - In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. The veggies should start to soften. - Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the veggies and spices. - Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add 1 can of drained diced tomatoes. Stir until combined. - Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice will absorb most of the liquid and be tender. - After 15 minutes, add back the cooked sausage and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cover the pot again and let it sit for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy your meal! To make this dish pop, adjust the spices to your taste. Start with the red pepper flakes. If you like heat, add more. If you prefer mild, cut back. You can also try other spices like cayenne for a different kick. Here are some cooking tips to enhance flavor: - Use high-quality sausage for the best taste. - Sear the sausage until it's golden brown. This adds depth. - Don't skip the garlic; it brings a lot of flavor. - Stir in the peas at the end for a fresh bite. Presentation matters! Serve the dish in deep bowls. This keeps the rice and sausage warm. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also adds a nice touch. For serving, use a large platter for family-style meals. It makes sharing easy and fun. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. They brighten the flavors and add a zesty twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Adjust Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to heat, start with less red pepper flakes and gradually add more to reach your preferred spice level. Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious meal. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute the spicy Italian sausage with other proteins like chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can swap the spicy Italian sausage for other meats. Turkey sausage works well too. Chicken sausage is a leaner option. If you prefer beef, it can add a nice flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins. If you want a meatless dish, try using plant-based sausage. There are many good brands available that mimic the taste. You can also use beans, like black beans or chickpeas. They add protein and texture without meat. Adding spices can change the dish's flavor. Try adding cumin for a warm, earthy taste. A dash of cayenne pepper can give a nice kick. You might enjoy adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil. They brighten the meal and add freshness. You can also switch out the vegetables. Zucchini or mushrooms can replace the bell pepper. Spinach is a great green option too. Just add it towards the end so it stays bright and fresh. Mixing in corn adds a sweet note. Play with flavors to find what you love! - Refrigeration tips: Store any leftover One Pot Sausage and Rice in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the dish fresh and safe to eat. - Freezing guidelines: To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Methods for optimal texture: To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. If using the microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. - Time and temperature recommendations: Heat on medium for about 5-10 minutes on the stove. In the microwave, heat for 2-3 minutes on high. Always check that it's hot throughout before serving. You can serve One Pot Sausage and Rice with many sides. A fresh green salad pairs well. You can also add crusty bread to soak up the flavors. For a heartier meal, try some roasted vegetables. If you like spice, serve with pickled jalapeños. Yes, you can make One Pot Sausage and Rice ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Then, store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. To check if the rice is done, take a look at the texture. The rice should be soft and fluffy. If it is still hard or crunchy, it needs more time. You can also taste a small spoonful. If it is tender, then it is ready. This blog post walks you through making a delicious one-pot sausage and rice dish. We covered the key ingredients, easy cooking steps, and handy tips to enhance flavors. You can even try different proteins or vegetables for a unique twist. Remember, proper storage and reheating help keep your meal fresh and tasty. Experiment with this recipe and make it your own. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others!

One Pot Zesty Sausage and Rice

A flavorful and easy one-pot meal featuring spicy Italian sausage, rice, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the long-grain white rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the spices and sautéed vegetables.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • After 15 minutes, stir in the cooked sausage and frozen peas. Cover the pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Serve in bowls garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Keyword easy meal, one-pot, rice, sausage