Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice

Featured in: East Coast Flavors

This flavorful meal features Italian sausage browned and sliced, paired with a medley of sautéed bell peppers and onions. The combination simmers with long-grain rice infused with aromatic herbs and chicken broth, creating a comforting blend of textures and tastes. Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it’s a satisfying, easy-to-prepare dish ideal for weeknight dinners.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:37:00 GMT
Steaming Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, colorful bell peppers and savory sausage served hot. Save
Steaming Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, colorful bell peppers and savory sausage served hot. | dashofstates.com

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 on a chilly evening when I was craving something both hearty and simple to pull together. The combination of sizzling sausage, colorful peppers, and tender rice quickly became a regular request at our dinner table.

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 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, for garnish)
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Brown the 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 when cool enough to handle.
Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2&3 minutes until fragrant.
Add peppers:
Add the bell peppers and cook for 5&6 minutes until slightly softened.
Toast rice:
Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to toast lightly. 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 the rice and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer for 18&20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Rest and garnish:
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
A close-up of a delicious and comforting Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, ready to eat. Save
A close-up of a delicious and comforting Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, ready to eat. | dashofstates.com

This meal always brings our family together. We enjoy sharing laughter and stories over plates piled high with this savory rice and sausage dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a satisfying meal. Warm crusty bread complements it perfectly.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains meat and may contain gluten depending on the sausage. Add Parmesan cheese for a touch of dairy. Always verify ingredient labels if serving to guests with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 25 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein, making it a filling option for dinner.

Hearty Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, complete with fresh parsley garnish, a fantastic meal. Save
Hearty Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, complete with fresh parsley garnish, a fantastic meal. | dashofstates.com

This Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate is sure to become a new family favorite—wholesome, comforting, and irresistibly tasty.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use spicy sausage for this dish?

Yes, substituting with spicy sausage adds a pleasant kick to the overall flavor.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Using gluten-free sausage and ensuring broth contains no gluten makes the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

What type of rice works best here?

Long-grain white rice is recommended as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.

Can I substitute chicken broth with something else?

Yes, water can be used for a lighter taste, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.

How should I garnish this dish?

Freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese add bright and savory finishing touches.

Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice

A flavorful dish with juicy sausage, bell peppers, onions, and seasoned rice for an easy meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional considerations None specified

Components

Meats

01 4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy, approx. 14 oz)

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, sliced
02 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 1 green bell pepper, sliced
04 1 medium onion, sliced
05 2 garlic cloves, minced

Rice

01 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 2 cups chicken broth (or water for lighter flavor)

Pantry & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tsp dried oregano
03 1/2 tsp dried basil
04 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
02 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Phase 01

Brown the sausages: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and brown all sides for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and let cool, then slice into 1-inch pieces.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté sliced onion and minced garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

Phase 03

Cook bell peppers: Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly softened.

Phase 04

Toast rice and add liquids: Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil.

Phase 05

Simmer with sausage: Reduce heat to low. Nestle sliced sausages into the rice and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Phase 06

Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.

Phase 07

Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains meat (pork or turkey), possible gluten depending on sausage, dairy if Parmesan cheese is added.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g