Description

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole combines spicy Italian sausage, tender mushrooms, and flavorful rice baked in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with savory Italian flavors, topped with crunchy toasted almonds and fresh parsley for added texture and freshness.

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

Seasonings and Toppings

1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain any excess grease to keep the dish light.
Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cook Rice: Stir in the long grain white rice and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, absorbing the broth.
Finish Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the light sour cream and Italian seasoning until the casserole is creamy and well combined. To serve, sprinkle the casserole with sliced almonds for a crunchy texture and garnish with the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a milder flavor, substitute spicy Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage.
If you prefer a thicker casserole, you can bake the dish covered at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes after adding sour cream.
Sliced almonds can be toasted lightly before sprinkling to enhance the nutty flavor.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or skillet with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.