A bold and colorful one-pot meal featuring smoky chorizo slices, sweet green peas, fluffy seasoned rice, and peppers—all simmered together for a hearty, quick, and flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknights. This recipe offers a satisfying balance of spice and sweetness with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pot chorizo and pea rice dish is ideal for busy evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It combines vibrant ingredients like chorizo, peppers, and peas into a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Cooking everything in one pot allows the rice to soak up all the rich flavors, creating a cohesive and deeply satisfying dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
10 oz (280g) chorizo sausage, sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup long-grain rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen green peas
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until softened.
3. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the rice and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice and enhance the flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Add the green peas and return the cooked chorizo to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
8. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the peas are heated through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Use hot chorizo or add a pinch of chili flakes to boost the heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chorizo with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
• Add Beans: Stir in canned black beans or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
• Switch the Grain: Substitute rice with quinoa or orzo for a different base.
• Fresh Peas Alternative: Use fresh or canned peas if frozen peas are not available.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the rice may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and the flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

What type of chorizo should I use?

Use Spanish-style cured chorizo for a firm, sliceable texture. If using Mexican chorizo (which is uncooked), cook thoroughly and adjust the oil content accordingly.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid quantity. Brown rice usually takes about 40–45 minutes to cook.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s great on its own, but a simple green salad or crusty bread complements it nicely.

Is this dish spicy?

That depends on the chorizo. Mild varieties result in a gentle heat, while spicier ones give the dish a bold kick.

Can I add cheese on top?

Yes, a sprinkle of grated manchego or cheddar cheese can add a creamy finish.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?

Make sure to stir occasionally when adding ingredients and keep the heat on low once the liquid is added.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be added at the same stage as frozen ones—just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What kind of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best for a fluffy texture that doesn’t clump.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients accordingly. Use a larger pot and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

One-pot chorizo and pea rice is a flavorful, fuss-free meal that brings bold ingredients together in perfect harmony. With smoky chorizo, sweet peppers, and tender peas nestled into seasoned rice, this dish is both comforting and vibrant. It’s perfect for feeding a family or making ahead for meal prep, all with minimal cleanup.

Print