What kind of sausage is best for sausage and rice?

Smoked sausage like kielbasa browns beautifully and adds great flavor. Andouille works well if you want some heat.

Can I make creamy sausage and rice ahead?

Yes. It reheats well with a splash of broth to loosen the rice and makes a great make-ahead lunch.

Recipes · One-Pan

Creamy Sausage & Rice One-Pot

Name: Creamy Sausage and Rice One-Pot
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 cups long-grain white rice; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional); Parsley or green onion

By Janet
From Janet's Recipe Box · 35 min · one pot

A skillet of creamy sausage and rice with browned smoked sausage and parsley — Smoky sausage, creamy rice, one pan. The definition of a no-stress dinner.

This is my back-pocket dinner for the nights I have zero energy but everyone still needs to eat. Smoky sausage, tender rice, and a creamy sauce all cook together in one pot, so the rice soaks up every bit of flavor and there is basically one thing to wash. It is cozy, filling, budget-friendly, and my kids actually clean their plates. If comfort food had a weeknight uniform, this would be it.

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Pot

One

Serves

4 to 6

Honesty note: this is how I roughly throw it together, not a precise science. Rice can be a little fussy about liquid, so keep an eye on it near the end and add a splash more broth if it needs it. Adjust to taste.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into coins
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
3 cups chicken broth
1 tsp smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar (optional, but so good)
Chopped parsley or green onion, to finish

How I make it

Heat the olive oil in a big deep skillet or pot over medium-high. Add the sausage coins and brown them on both sides, about 5 minutes, so they get those crispy edges. Scoot them to a plate.
In the same pot, add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic for a minute until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice and stir it around for a minute to toast it slightly in all that sausage flavor.
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and smoked paprika. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Bring it to a simmer, then return the sausage to the pot. Cover and cook on low for about 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cheddar if using, let it melt, then finish with parsley or green onion. Taste, add salt and pepper, and serve warm.

My tip: resist stirring the rice too much while it simmers, that is how it turns gummy. Let it do its thing, and only check near the end to make sure it has enough liquid.

Make it your own

Stir in a handful of frozen peas or spinach at the end for some green, use andouille and add Cajun seasoning for a little kick, or swap the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom. It is endlessly forgiving. Want another cozy one-pan night? Try my one-pot lasagna soup.

My one-pot staples

The deep skillet I make this in, my go-to wooden spoons, and the everyday bowls I serve it in are all in my Amazon storefront.

Shop my kitchen staples → As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of sausage is best?

Smoked sausage like kielbasa is my go-to because it browns beautifully and adds so much flavor. Andouille is great if you want a little heat.

Why did my rice turn out gummy?

Usually it is too much stirring or too much liquid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed, and use long-grain white rice for the best texture.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. It reheats well with a splash of broth to loosen the rice. It is a great make-ahead lunch, too.

Heads up: some links in this post are affiliate links to my Amazon storefront, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share things I actually use.

Janet

Orlando mom and the creator behind Planet Janet TV. Janet's Recipe Box is my collection of the approachable, slightly elevated meals I actually cook. Come say hi on Instagram.

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