Italian Chicken Sausage Risotto 🍚🇮🇹

Dive into the creamy, comforting world of risotto with this delightful recipe featuring savory chicken sausage. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or when you want to impress friends and family at a gathering! The blend of flavors and textures makes every bite a little piece of heaven. Pair it with a fresh salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal! 🍷🥗

Ingredients

For the Risotto

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package of chicken sausage (16 ounces, any variety you love)
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (more if needed)
• 1 cup frozen petite sweet peas
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken sausage and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

🧄 Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and deeper flavor, so don’t rush this step!

4. Add the Arborio rice and pour in the wine. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the wine is absorbed.

🍚 Arborio rice is essential for risotto as its high starch content gives the dish its signature creaminess.

5. Gradually stir in 3 cups of chicken broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
6. Continue adding broth, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring until each addition is absorbed and the rice is tender and creamy, approximately 5 minutes more.
7. Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional minute until everything is heated through. Season with black pepper.

🧀 For an extra cheesy finish, feel free to add more Parmesan to suit your taste!

8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

• Broth Temperature: Keep your chicken broth warm on a separate burner while you cook. Adding cold broth can slow down cooking time.
• For extra flavor: Try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest just before serving! 🍋
• Variations:
  • Swap out chicken sausage for spicy sausage for a kick! 🌶️
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more veggies like mushrooms or asparagus.
  • If you want added creaminess, stir in a dollop of cream or mascarpone cheese just before serving.

Now you're ready to enjoy a delicious homemade Italian classic that will surely impress everyone at the table! Buon Appetito! 🥰🍽️