Description

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining browned smoked sausage with sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a tomato paste-infused sauce. The dish is enriched with spices like paprika and cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, all tossed with tender cooked white rice and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that can be easily customized with Italian or Cajun twists.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Rice

1 1/4 cup white rice (uncooked)

Sausage 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 Sauce

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

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Instructions

Cook Rice: In a small saucepan, cook the white rice according to the package instructions until tender and set aside.
Brown Sausage: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the smoked sausage pieces and cook 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 onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables and set aside with the sausage.
Prepare Sauce: Add tomato paste and approximately 3/4 cup of the chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk to combine and let the mixture simmer for 1 minute. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper.
Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet. Add the remaining chicken broth and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the skillet mixture and serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.

Notes

For an “Italian” variation, substitute the smoked sausage with Italian sausage and add 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
For a “Cajun” flavor, use andouille sausage and add 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
To store leftovers, place the food in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze leftovers, transfer cooled food to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to maintain moisture and stir occasionally for even heating.