Save A hearty and flavorful dish featuring juicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and aromatic rice—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
The first time I made this Italian sausage & peppers rice plate, my whole family gathered eagerly around the stove. The combination of comforting aromas and colorful vegetables made it an instant favorite at home.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 links (mild or spicy, about 400 g or 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 (or water): 2 cups (480 ml)
- 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 the sausages:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausages and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. When cool, slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the peppers:
- Add bell peppers and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Toast the rice:
- Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute to toast lightly.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Pour in chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low. Nestle sliced sausages into rice mixture. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- Rest and garnish:
- Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff rice, garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Save This dish has become our go-to for cozy Friday nights. Everyone loves piling their plates high and sprinkling extra cheese on top for good measure.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons—simple tools for maximum flavor.
Allergen Information
Contains meat (pork or turkey depending on sausage), possible gluten (check sausage ingredients), and dairy if using Parmesan cheese. Always read labels carefully to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 20 g
Save Enjoy this vibrant, satisfying rice plate fresh from the skillet—add a sprig of parsley or extra cheese for an irresistible final touch.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use spicy sausage for this dish?
Yes, using spicy Italian sausage will add extra heat and depth of flavor to the dish, balancing well with the sweet peppers and aromatic herbs.
- → Is it possible to make this meal gluten-free?
Absolutely. Choose gluten-free Italian sausage and ensure the broth contains no gluten to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What type of rice works best here?
Long-grain white rice is ideal as it stays fluffy and absorbs the savory broth and seasonings well during cooking.
- → Can I substitute the sausage for a vegetarian option?
Yes, plant-based sausage and vegetable broth make great alternatives, maintaining flavor while accommodating a vegetarian preference.
- → How do I ensure the peppers remain slightly crisp?
Sauté the bell peppers just until they soften slightly; overcooking can make them mushy, so timing is key for texture.