Sausage and Rice Skillet

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that brings together bold flavors with ease. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines savory Italian sausage, tender rice, and fresh broccoli for a balanced and filling dish. The addition of a touch of white wine elevates the flavor profile, making it a comforting yet sophisticated dinner option. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze!

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed, broken into pieces
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ¼ cups long-grain rice
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 head of broccoli (about 6 ounces), cut into 1 ½-inch florets

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage:

• Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon into small pieces. Let the sausage brown, developing a golden crust, and cook until no pink remains.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Toast the Rice:

• Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and allowing it to toast for a minute or two. This step adds depth of flavor and ensures a nice texture in the finished dish.

4. Deglaze with Wine:

• Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly, and cook until the rice has absorbed almost all of the liquid, about 1 minute.

5. Cook the Rice:

• Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

6. Steam the Broccoli:

• Stir in the broccoli florets, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the skillet. Cover the pan again and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam and become tender while the rice finishes cooking.

7. Season and Serve:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the dish hot and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Sausage and Rice Skillet:

• Sausage Variations: You can use hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your taste. For a leaner option, try turkey or chicken sausage.
• Rice Options: Long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture, but feel free to substitute with brown rice or basmati. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Broccoli: If you prefer your broccoli more on the crisp-tender side, you can steam it separately and stir it in just before serving.
• Wine Substitutions: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can skip this step or use a splash of extra broth for a non-alcoholic alternative.

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This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. It’s great for meal prepping or enjoying as a quick dinner that packs plenty of flavor and nutrients into one dish!