As I stood in my kitchen, navigating the delightful chaos of pots and pans, a comforting aroma enveloped me—nothing beats the promise of a creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice simmering on the stove. With its hearty blend of flavors and the added nutrition of butternut squash, this dish is the perfect solution for a healthy weeknight meal. Prepped in just under an hour, it requires minimal cleanup, giving you more time to relax after a long day. I love how the creamy rice harmonizes with the savory chicken sausage, creating a satisfying dish that marks the end of fast food dinners. Why stick to takeout when you can whip up this scrumptious meal in no time? Are you ready to dive into the flavors of this easy one-pot wonder? Why is This Recipe a Must-Try? Simplicity at its core: This recipe combines all ingredients in one pot, minimizing the cleanup. Flavor-packed goodness: The creamy rice and savory chicken sausage create an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Healthy twist with butternut squash: This dish adds nutrition without sacrificing flavor, ensuring you still enjoy comfort food guilt-free. Time-saving delight: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without the hassle. Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, this meal appeals to all, leaving no leftovers behind! Pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal or check out my recipes for Honey BBQ Chicken or One Pot Smoked for more weeknight inspiration! Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Ingredients • Dive into this cozy dish with a delightful mix of flavors! For the Creamy Base Chicken and Apple Sausage – Adds a rich protein and zesty flavor that elevates the dish. Cubed Butternut Squash – Provides a creamy texture and nutritious boost; sweet potatoes work well as a substitute. Chicken Broth – Acts as the key cooking liquid, enhancing flavors; opt for low-sodium options for a healthier meal. Uncooked Basmati Rice – Absorbs all the savory goodness; jasmine rice can be an excellent alternative. For the Freshness Baby Spinach – A simple way to add greens and nutrients; swap with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer. For Sautéing Sweet Onion, Diced – Offers a hint of sweetness and depth; yellow onion can be used in a pinch. Garlic, Minced (2-4 cloves) – Brings aromatic flavor to the melody; if fresh isn’t on hand, garlic powder will do. Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing; feel free to substitute with avocado oil if you like. Seasoning Essentials Salt (1 tsp) and Black Pepper (½ tsp) – The foundation of flavor; adjust to your taste preferences. With these Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a warm, satisfying meal that will sweep away any remnants of fast food! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Step 1: Sauté the Sausage In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Thinly slice the chicken sausage and add it to the pot, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, then remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Step 2: Cook the Vegetables In the same pot, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed butternut squash, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender and the onions are softened, creating a luscious base for your creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice. Step 3: Create the Creamy Base Next, pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Using an immersion blender, puree the contents directly in the pot until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a traditional blender, purée, and then return it to the pot. Step 4: Add the Rice and Sausage Stir in 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice and the sautéed chicken sausage. Ensure everything is well mixed and covered with the creamy base. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors beautifully. Step 5: Fold in the Spinach Once the rice is cooked, fold in 2 cups of baby spinach until it wilts and brightens the dish’s color. Allow it to heat through for another minute or two. This final touch not only elevates your creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice but also adds a pop of fresh flavor and nutrients. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Scoop generous portions of your creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice into bowls, and enjoy it hot. This hearty meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, freeing you from the temptation of fast food! Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Variations Feel free to customize this delicious dish to fit your preferences and dietary needs! Turkey Sausage: Swap out chicken sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option without losing flavor. It’s a satisfying alternative that’ll still deliver that savory kick. Plant-Based Sausage: For a vegan twist, use your favorite plant-based sausage. This option retains the delicious taste while keeping it entirely meat-free! Sweet Potatoes: Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a sweeter profile that adds a different layer of nutrition and flavor—wonderful for those chilly nights! Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or peas for added texture and color. They brighten the dish and provide a fresh burst of flavor, perfect for veggie lovers. Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking! This will transform the dish into a zesty fiesta that will wake up your palate. Creamy Coconut Substitute: For a dairy-free creamy texture, replace chicken broth with coconut milk. It lends a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sausage. Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese before serving for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor that both vegans and cheese lovers can enjoy. Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley while simmering. They provide a garden-fresh taste that elevates the overall profile of the meal. Pair this sumptuous dish with a refreshing side salad, and you’ll see how it brightens your weeknight meals. Interested in exploring more one-pot wonders? Don’t forget to check out my comforting Honey BBQ Chicken and Pot Angel Chicken for your next culinary adventure! How to Store and Freeze Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing to reduce moisture build-up. Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, portion it out into single servings, making it easy to reheat just what you need. Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. Avoid Refreezing: For the best texture and flavor, only freeze once and avoid refreezing any leftovers after reheating. Enjoy your Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice at its best! What to Serve with Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Transform your meal experience by complementing this comforting dish with delightful sides that add varying textures and flavors. Garlicky Green Beans: The crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic provide a fresh contrast, enhancing the meal’s savoriness without overpowering it. Simple Side Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch and balances the creaminess of the rice. Herbed Quinoa: This light and fluffy side dish brings a nutty profile, allowing for an earthy complement to the rich chicken sausage and rice. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of balsamic glaze add sweetness and depth, making every bite a delightful experience. Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy element to the meal. It’s perfect to counter the warmth of the creamy main dish. Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay brings out the dish’s savory notes while adding a touch of sophistication to your dining experience. Elevate your weeknight dinners by pairing these sides with your Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. Make Ahead Options These Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can chop the butternut squash, onion, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, the chicken sausage can be sliced and prepped up to 2 days ahead; just keep it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the prepped ingredients, add the broth and rice, and follow the remaining steps. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish ready in no time, just as delightful as if you made it fresh! Tips for the Best Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Slice Thinly: Opt for thin slices of chicken sausage to ensure even cooking and a delightful flavor infusion throughout the dish. Adjust Liquid Gradually: If the rice appears too dry, add extra chicken broth gradually during cooking instead of pouring it all at once. Cook Spinach Last: Wait to add spinach until the rice is fully cooked to prevent overcooking; it should be gently folded in for a fresh touch. Use Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality chicken sausage and organic produce whenever possible; it makes a world of difference in taste. Experiment with Rice: Don’t hesitate to substitute the basmati rice with jasmine rice for a slightly different flavor while keeping the dish deliciously creamy. Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Recipe FAQs What type of chicken sausage should I use? Absolutely! I recommend high-quality brands like Applegate, which are organic and Whole30 approved. The blend of chicken and apple adds great flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand as long as it’s a good quality sausage! How long can I store leftovers? You can store the creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up to maintain its freshness. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze it! Portion your creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back its creamy texture. What can I do if my rice is too dry? If your rice seems too dry while cooking, just add a bit more chicken broth gradually, rather than all at once. This helps to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Stir frequently to ensure the rice absorbs the flavors evenly. Can I make this dish allergy-friendly? Certainly! If you need to accommodate allergies, you can substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a delicious alternative. Additionally, make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth to keep the dish gluten-free. If anyone is sensitive to garlic, feel free to swap it out with garlic powder or omit it entirely without losing too much flavor. How should I reheat the frozen leftovers? When it comes time to reheat your frozen creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice, be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help restore its creamy texture. Stir regularly to ensure it heats evenly and enjoy the comforting flavors all over again! Creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice for Cozy Weeknights This creamy One Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice is a hearty dish loaded with flavors and healthy ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Creamy Base1 pound Chicken and Apple Sausage Adds a rich protein and zesty flavor2 cups Cubed Butternut Squash Provides creamy texture; sweet potatoes work well as a substitute3 cups Chicken Broth Opt for low-sodium options for a healthier meal1 cup Uncooked Basmati Rice Jasmine rice can be an excellent alternativeFor the Freshness2 cups Baby Spinach Swap with kale or Swiss chard if you preferFor Sautéing1 medium Sweet Onion, diced Yellow onion can be used in a pinch2-4 cloves Garlic, minced If fresh isn't on hand, garlic powder can be used2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to substitute with avocado oilSeasoning Essentials1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste½ teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste Equipment Large pot or Dutch ovenimmersion blender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Thinly slice the chicken sausage and add it to the pot, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, then remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.In the same pot, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add cubed butternut squash, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender and the onions are softened.Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Using an immersion blender, puree the contents until creamy and smooth.Stir in 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice and the sautéed chicken sausage. Mix well and cover the pot. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes.Once rice is cooked, fold in 2 cups of baby spinach until it wilts. Allow to heat through for another minute or two.Remove from heat and serve hot in bowls. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, slice chicken sausage thinly, adjust liquid gradually, cook spinach last, use quality ingredients, and feel free to experiment with rice types. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
