If there’s one dish that wraps up a chilly evening in a big warm hug, it’s this Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe. Picture bubbling cheese, savory sausage, and tender rice, all mingling together in a cozy, creamy embrace—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of Italian comfort food right to your table. This casserole is weeknight-friendly, packed with flavor, and so simple to toss together, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this is the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient plays an essential role, building layers of flavor and texture you can really taste in every bite. Simple staples combine here for big results, and a few fresh touches keep things vibrant and comforting at once.
- Italian sausage: The heart of the dish—choose mild or spicy, depending on your mood, and remove the casings for the best crumble and flavor distribution.
- Olive oil: Just a splash to help brown the sausage and coax out its savory depth.
- Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it adds sweetness and rounds out the casserole’s flavor base.
- Garlic: A couple cloves, minced, for a punch of aromatic warmth that infuses the whole dish.
- Long grain white rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the creamy, savory goodness as it bakes.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The rice’s cooking liquid—using low-sodium gives you more control over the seasoning.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce; for a lighter touch, swap in half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey topping that’s impossible to resist.
- Dried basil: A classic Italian herb that brings aromatic brightness.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, Mediterranean note.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add more or less to suit your taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in the pan.
- Fresh spinach (or frozen): Chopped spinach adds a pop of color and freshness; frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and drain it first.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A final sprinkle for color and a hint of herby freshness at serving time.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Before you start, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray—this will ensure easy serving and cleanup. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the Italian sausage (casings removed). Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and crumbled—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step infuses the whole casserole with savory, meaty depth and a hint of spice.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until it’s soft and translucent, bringing a gentle sweetness to the party. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, releasing that signature Italian aroma without letting it burn.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice. Let it toast in the pan for about 2 minutes, soaking up the flavorful fat and aromatics. This step gives the rice a slightly nutty flavor and helps it keep its shape while baking.
Step 5: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. The rice will start absorbing all these flavors as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Parmesan
Add the chopped fresh spinach (or thawed, drained frozen spinach) and cook just until it wilts and blends with the rice mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which helps bind the casserole and adds a wonderful savory note.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for that blanket of melty goodness. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait helps everything set up, making it easier to serve. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like, then dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch can make all the difference! I love to shower the top with a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of herby freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan is never a bad idea, either. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can add a subtle richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce. For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or bringing this Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe to a potluck, scoop portions into individual ramekins for a personal touch. For a family-style dinner, serve right from the bubbling baking dish—just set it in the center of the table and watch it disappear! Leftovers make a great lunch, packed into a thermos or reheated for a cozy midday meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the texture stays beautifully creamy, making it a lunch or dinner you’ll look forward to.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer hero! Cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. To freeze individual portions, spoon servings into freezer-safe containers for easy, grab-and-go meals.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave single servings until hot, or cover the casserole and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If it looks a little dry, splash in a tablespoon of chicken broth or cream before reheating to revive its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just be sure to increase the liquid and extend the baking time, since brown rice takes longer to cook. The result will be a little nuttier and chewier—delicious in its own right.
Is this Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check that your sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go. This makes it a comforting, crowd-friendly dish for all kinds of eaters.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled from the fridge.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work beautifully—just pick your favorite. Spicy sausage will add more heat, while mild keeps things kid-friendly. If you like, you can even mix both for a custom blend.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini would be wonderful additions. Just sauté them with the onions to soften before mixing into the casserole.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a bubbling dish of Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe with family and friends. It’s easy, satisfying, and deeply comforting—everything you want in a homemade meal. Gather around the table and give this recipe a try; I have a feeling it’ll make its way into your regular dinner lineup in no time!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Italian sausage and rice casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Featuring browned Italian sausage, tender rice, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses and Italian herbs, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with parsley for a fresh finish. With its rich texture and hearty ingredients, this recipe satisfies the whole family while being simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until the onion is softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast Rice: Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, or if using frozen spinach, stir in after draining thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the sausage and rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a hearty and creamy Italian-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choose part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but increase the broth quantity and baking time to ensure rice cooks through properly.
- This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Ensure sausage and broth are certified gluten-free if you are preparing this for a gluten-sensitive diet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
