Description
This hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring smoky smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, garlic, and perfectly cooked white rice all combined in a savory tomato and spice sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to customize with different types of sausage and seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 1/4 cup white rice (uncooked)
Protein and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Liquids
- 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 wait until it shimmers. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 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 onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside with the sausage.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato paste and about 3/4 cup (0.75 cup) of chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk the mixture well and let it simmer for 1 minute. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper to infuse a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and the remaining chicken broth (about 1/2 cup) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top as a fresh garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
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.
- To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for 2-3 months.
- When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth and stir occasionally to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
