Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This creamy one pot chicken sausage and rice recipe is a comforting meal that combines savory sausage, tender butternut squash, and vibrant spinach. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Plus, the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chicken and apple sausage (such as Applegate)
• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3-4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the chicken sausage and heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the sausage slices until golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add a little more olive oil to the same pan, then add the cubed butternut squash, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cover the pan and stir every few minutes until the squash becomes tender.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and use an immersion blender to blend the mixture into a creamy sauce. Alternatively, transfer to a blender to puree and return to the pan.
4. Step 4: Stir in the uncooked basmati rice and the cooked chicken sausage. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat until the rice is cooked through and tender.
5. Step 5: Fold in the baby spinach until wilted. Serve the dish hot for a satisfying and creamy meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey sausage or your favorite sausage variety for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the sausage.
• Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes for a different sweetness and texture.
• To make this meal dairy-free, omit any cheese additions and rely on the broth and squash for creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use long grain white rice or jasmine rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid amount as needed since different rices absorb liquid differently.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or cooked beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 533 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy one pot chicken sausage and rice recipe features savory chicken and apple sausage sautéed to golden perfection, tender butternut squash, and spinach all cooked together with basmati rice in a rich, creamy broth. The butternut squash is pureed to create a luscious sauce that brings warmth and comfort to this hearty, easy-to-make one pot meal perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage

• 12 ounces chicken and apple sausage (such as Applegate brand)

Vegetables

• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3–4 cups baby spinach

Rice and Liquids

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 3 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage: Thinly slice the chicken and apple sausage. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the sausage slices. Sauté until golden brown on both sides, then remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add a little more olive oil to the same pan. Add the cubed butternut squash, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cover the pan and cook on medium heat, stirring every few minutes until the butternut squash becomes tender.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the butternut squash is tender, pour in the chicken broth. Use an immersion blender directly in the pan to puree the mixture into a creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a blender to blend until smooth, then return it to the pan.
4. Add Rice and Sausage: Stir in the uncooked basmati rice and the browned chicken sausage slices into the creamy sauce. Mix well to combine.
5. Simmer: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently until the rice is cooked through and tender, approximately 15-20 minutes depending on the rice.
6. Finish with Spinach and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, fold in the baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy one pot meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the number of garlic cloves according to your taste preference.
• If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender will also work; just be careful with hot liquids.
• For a dairy-free version, avoid adding cheese or cream; the butternut squash sauce provides natural creaminess.
• Make sure to stir the rice occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: one pot meal, chicken sausage recipe, creamy rice dish, butternut squash recipe, easy weeknight dinner, basmati rice recipe