Save A hearty and flavorful dish featuring juicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and aromatic rice—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
This Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate became a regular on our family table after a busy weeknight experiment. The combination of colorful peppers and aromatic sausage fills the kitchen with classic comfort, and everyone enjoys customizing their servings with fresh Parmesan.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4, mild or spicy, about 400 g (14 oz)
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml), or water for lighter flavor
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp, optional
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped, optional
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, optional
Instructions
- Brown sausages:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and brown on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and let cool; slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook peppers:
- Add bell peppers and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Toast rice and add liquids:
- Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute to toast. Pour in chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low. Nestle sliced sausages into rice and vegetables. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and fluff:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save Sharing this meal with family is always a joy—especially when everyone gets involved, choosing their favorite pepper colors and sprinkling extra cheese. It's a recipe that brings us together at the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a balanced meal.
Allergen Information
Contains: Meat (pork or turkey, depending on sausage), possible gluten (check sausage ingredients), dairy (if using Parmesan cheese). Consult your sausage and broth packaging for detailed allergen content.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 20 g.
Save This satisfying rice plate is perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and make it your own with different sausage varieties.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use spicy sausage for more heat?
Yes, swapping mild for spicy Italian sausage adds a bold kick to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare this without meat?
Plant-based sausages and vegetable broth can be used to create a vegetarian-friendly variation while maintaining robust taste.
- → What type of rice works best here?
Long-grain white rice delivers fluffy texture and absorbs flavors well during simmering.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free sausages and verify broth ingredients to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What garnishes enhance this meal?
Chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan add color and a burst of freshness to each serving.