Smoky Basque Chicken Sausage Risotto

A practical one-pan Basque-inspired risotto with savory chicken sausage, sweet pepper, cherry tomatoes, and smoky paprika.

  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: —
  • Estimated total cost: About $3–$5 for one serving, excluding pantry staples
  • Calories per serving: —

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Mild Italian Chicken Sausage
    4 oz $5.99
  • Fresh Red Hothouse Bell Pepper
    1/2 pepper $2.99
  • cherry tomatoes
    1/2 cup
  • risotto rice
    1/2 cup
  • low-sodium chicken stock
    1 1/2 cups
  • yellow onion
    1/4 cup finely chopped
  • garlic
    1 clove
  • olive oil
    2 teaspoons
  • smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • sherry vinegar
    1 teaspoon
  • kosher salt
    1/8 teaspoon
  • black pepper
    1/8 teaspoon
  • fresh parsley
    1 tablespoon chopped
  • Campo Viejo™ Rioja Tempranillo
    1 bottle (750 ml) $9.99

Instructions

  1. Slice 4 ounces chicken sausage into 1/2-inch rounds; dice 1/2 red bell pepper, halve 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/4 cup yellow onion and 1 tablespoon parsley, and mince 1 garlic clove.

  2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 4 ounces chicken sausage for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked to 165°F; transfer it to a plate.

  3. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup yellow onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes.

  4. Stir in 1/2 cup risotto rice and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar and cook for 1 minute, scraping up the browned bits.

  5. Add 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add another 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is creamy and tender.

  6. Fold in 4 ounces cooked chicken sausage and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; heat for 1 minute, rest for 2 minutes, and plate in one shallow bowl.

Health: Approximately 620 calories with about 23 grams of protein, plus vegetables and satisfying carbohydrates.

Drink pairing: A medium-bodied Tempranillo complements the sausage, tomato, and smoked paprika.

Wine picks:

  • Campo Viejo™ Rioja Tempranillo $9.99 1 bottle (750 ml)

Why it works: This Rioja Tempranillo is a strong match for the smoky Basque profile: its medium body and ripe red-fruit character complement the chicken sausage and tomatoes, while gentle oak and savory spice echo the smoked paprika and browned flavors without overwhelming the creamy risotto.