A delightful one-pot dish combining the hearty flavors of sausage and zucchini with the comforting texture of rice.
Melt a portion of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté until golden.
Stir frequently to prevent the onion from burning.
Stir in the rice and cook for a minute to toast it lightly.
Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor.
Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
Keep the lid on to ensure even cooking.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into even pieces.
Add the zucchini to the skillet and sauté until tender.
Cut the zucchini into even slices for uniform cooking.
Combine the cooked rice, sausage, and zucchini in the skillet. Stir in the remaining chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the zucchini slices.
Top with toasted pine nuts before serving.
Toast the pine nuts beforehand for a richer flavor.