Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal combining spicy Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms and onions, tender rice cooked in flavorful chicken broth, and a touch of light sour cream for creaminess. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds and fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Cook the rice: Add the long grain white rice to the skillet along with 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Finish the casserole: Stir the cooked sausage back into the rice mixture. Then, fold in the light sour cream and Italian seasoning until well combined, creating a creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Serve: Spoon the casserole onto serving plates and top each portion with the sliced almonds and fresh chopped parsley for added crunch and brightness.
Notes
- For a milder dish, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- You can substitute light sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra mushrooms or other vegetables.
- Make sure to check the seasoning at the end and adjust salt if necessary, as some broths can be salty.
- To toast the sliced almonds for extra crunch, dry roast them in a pan over medium heat until golden, then sprinkle on top.
