Description
This Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice all combined in a cast iron skillet. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a convenient dinner option packed with savory spices and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. Customize it with Italian or Cajun sausage for different flavor profiles.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 1/4 cup white rice (uncooked)
Meat 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 rice according to the package directions until fully cooked and tender. Set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove vegetables from pan and set aside with sausage.
- Create the Sauce: Add tomato paste and about 3/4 cup chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk to combine well and let the mixture simmer for 1 minute. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper evenly.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked rice, sausage, peppers, and onions to the skillet. Pour in the remaining chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the skillet just before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful, hearty dish.
Notes
- For an Italian flavor variation, use Italian sausage and add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- For a Cajun twist, substitute with andouille sausage and include ½ teaspoon 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 for up to 2-3 months.
- When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
