Easy One Pot Sausage And Rice

A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and tender rice in a single skillet. With minimal preparation and cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers satisfying, homey flavours with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is suitable for cooks of all skill levels because it requires only one pan, a handful of everyday ingredients, and yields a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. The sausage infuses the rice with savoury richness, while cherry tomatoes provide bursts of fresh sweetness. An oven finish ensures perfectly steamed rice and evenly melded flavours without the need for constant stovetop attention.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 12 ounces (about 4) mild Italian sausages

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Prick the sausages with a fork and add them to the skillet. Brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the sausages and set aside.

4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir in the smashed garlic and cherry tomatoes, then add the rice and pour in the chicken broth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

6. Slice the cooled sausages into ¼-inch coins and stir them back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

7. Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6 people

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes (plus 5 minutes resting)

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use chorizo or andouille sausage for a spicier flavour profile.

• Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative.

• Stir in a cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers along with the broth for extra colour and nutrition.

• Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and choose a plant-based sausage to make the dish vegetarian.

• Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta instead of parsley.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place portions in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Cover and warm until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot.

FAQs

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Mild Italian sausage provides a balanced savoury flavour without overwhelming spice, but you may substitute with sweet Italian, chorizo, andouille, or plant-based sausages according to preference.

Can I cook this dish entirely on the stovetop?

Yes. After bringing the rice and sausage mixture to a simmer on the stove, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

An oven-safe skillet is necessary for the baking step. If unavailable, transfer the covered mixture to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice may be substituted, but it will require about 2½ cups of liquid and a longer bake time of 35–40 minutes to cook through.

Why might my rice turn out gummy?

Excess liquid or stirring during baking can lead to a gummy texture. Measure the broth accurately and avoid stirring once the dish is in the oven; allow the rice to steam undisturbed.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

You may sauté the sausage and onions in advance and refrigerate. When ready to finish, bring them to room temperature before adding rice and broth and proceeding with the recipe.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Use a plant-based sausage substitute and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to maintain flavour and texture.

Is it safe to prick the sausages before browning?

Pricking the sausages allows excess fat to render and prevents them from bursting. It is both safe and recommended for even browning.

Can I add additional vegetables to the one-pot?

Yes. Peas, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added after the onions have sautéed. Adjust cooking times so the vegetables remain tender without becoming mushy.

How do I know when the dish is done?

The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. If the grains remain firm, return the skillet to the oven for a few more minutes, checking periodically.

Conclusion

This Easy One Pot Sausage And Rice recipe delivers a perfect balance of convenience and flavour. With minimal equipment and effort, it produces a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that can be adapted to suit various tastes. Whether you adhere to the classic version or explore the suggested variations, this dish promises a quick and delectable solution for weeknight dinners.