Italian Sausage Peppers Rice

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

This dish features Italian sausage browned to perfection and combined with sautéed red, yellow, and green bell peppers alongside aromatic long-grain rice. Cooked in seasoned broth and herbs, it creates a warm and hearty plate ideal for weeknight dinners. Garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, the flavors intertwine for a satisfying meal. Variations include using spicy sausage or a meat-free option paired with vegetable broth.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:41:00 GMT
Savory Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, vibrant with colorful peppers and tender sausage, ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
Savory Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, vibrant with colorful peppers and tender sausage, ready to be enjoyed. | recipesforevers.com

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 favorite when I made it on a chilly weeknight—it filled the house with rich aromas and everyone took seconds without hesitation.

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 cloves: 2, 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 large skillet over medium heat. Add 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 onion and garlic for 2&3 minutes until fragrant.
Cook peppers:
Add bell peppers and cook for 5&6 minutes until slightly softened.
Toast rice and season:
Stir in 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 rice and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer for 18&20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
Rest and fluff:
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with fork.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
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| recipesforevers.com

My family loves when I make this dish—especially on weekends when we gather and laugh over dinner. It quickly disappears from the table!

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups, measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains: Meat (pork or turkey from sausage), possible gluten (depending on sausage), dairy (if Parmesan used). Always check all ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480. Total Fat: 25 g. Carbohydrates: 38 g. Protein: 20 g per serving.

A steaming plate of Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice, seasoned perfectly and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Save to Pinterest
A steaming plate of Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice, seasoned perfectly and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | recipesforevers.com

This rice plate is sure to become your go-to for a stress-free, delicious meal. Enjoy every comforting bite tonight!

Recipe FAQs

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausages, mild or spicy, add rich flavor and juicy texture to this dish. Turkey or plant-based sausages can be used for lighter or vegetarian adaptations.

Can I use another type of rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for absorbing the broth and flavors, but jasmine or basmati rice may also work if adjusted for cooking time.

How do I prevent the peppers from getting too soft?

Sauté the bell peppers just until slightly softened over medium heat to maintain some texture and vibrant color.

Is it important to toast the rice first?

Lightly toasting the rice before adding broth enhances its nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.

What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, while grated Parmesan contributes a savory finish. Both enhance the overall flavor profile beautifully.

Italian Sausage Peppers Rice

Savor Italian sausage paired with colorful peppers and fragrant rice for an easy, comforting plate.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Complete Duration
45 minutes

Recipe Type Everyday Cozy Meals

Complexity Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You Need

Meats

01 4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy, approximately 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

Pantry & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 ½ teaspoon dried basil
04 ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 01

Brown the sausages: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the Italian sausages on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool, then slice into 1-inch pieces.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook bell peppers: Incorporate the sliced bell peppers and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Rest the dish: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the dish if desired. Serve warm.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains meat and possible gluten depending on sausage. Contains dairy if Parmesan is used. Verify all ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 480
  • Total Fat: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 20 grams