Save A hearty and flavorful dish featuring juicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and aromatic rice—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
I first made this Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate when my family craved something warm and savory on a chilly evening. Everyone loved how the peppers and sausage paired perfectly with the aromatic rice.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 sausages (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 a 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 garnish
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, optional garnish
Instructions
- Brown Sausages:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside. Slice into 1-inch pieces once cool.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Bell Peppers:
- Add the bell peppers and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Rice & Seasonings:
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to toast. Pour in the chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low. Nestle sliced sausages into the rice and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest & Fluff:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save This is always a hit at our family get-togethers. Kids eagerly scoop up the colorful peppers and ask for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this rice plate with a crisp green salad and your favorite white wine for a balanced meal.
Recipe Variations
Try using spicy sausage for extra heat, plant-based sausage for a vegetarian plate, or swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
Allergen & Nutrition Information
Contains meat (pork or turkey depending on sausage), possible gluten (check sausage), and dairy if using Parmesan. Calories per serving: 480, Fat: 25 g, Carbs: 38 g, Protein: 20 g.
Save This dish blends robust flavors with simple steps to bring everyone together for a delicious dinner.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a lighter alternative that works well in this dish without sacrificing flavor.
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth and seasonings nicely.
- → How can I add extra heat to this meal?
Use spicy Italian sausage or include crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a bit of a kick.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free sausage and checking that your broth contains no gluten, the dish can be gluten-free.
- → What are good garnishes to enhance the flavors?
Freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese add aroma and a touch of richness to finish the plate.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely, substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth to maintain full flavor.