Craving a creamy, comforting risotto without all the carbs? This Italian Sausage and Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto is the perfect low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free alternative to traditional risotto.
Made with flavorful Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy cauliflower rice, this dish is packed with rich flavors while keeping things light and healthy. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Let’s get cooking! 🍽️
Ingredients Required
For the Risotto:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (chicken, turkey, or pork), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or cremini work best)
- 3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chicken broth (if needed, to loosen the risotto)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra grated parmesan
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Step 3: Cook the Cauliflower Rice
- Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir well.
- Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix until the risotto becomes creamy.
- If the mixture is too thick, add ¼ cup of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Stir in lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Best Cauliflower Risotto
- Use fresh cauliflower rice for the best texture, but frozen works too—just cook off any extra moisture.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower rice—it should be tender, not mushy.
- Add more parmesan for extra creaminess or a richer flavor.
- Want a dairy-free version? Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the parmesan.
Variations of the Recipe
1. Spicy Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
- Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
2. Mediterranean-Style Risotto
- Add sundried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
3. Bacon and Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto
- Replace sausage with crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy cauliflower risotto pairs well with:
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – For extra protein.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli – To add more greens.
- Garlic Bread – If you’re not low-carb, this is perfect for scooping up the creamy risotto.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- While cauliflower rice dishes don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked sausage and mushrooms separately and add fresh cauliflower rice when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto is a creamy, indulgent, yet healthy alternative to traditional risotto. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients while keeping things low-carb and keto-friendly.
Give this quick and easy risotto recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! 🍲✨
FAQs
1. Can I use regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?
Yes! Simply cook arborio rice separately and add it to the skillet with the cream and cheese.
2. What’s the best sausage to use?
Chicken or turkey Italian sausage is great for a leaner option, but pork sausage adds more richness.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. How can I add more flavor?
Try adding white wine, truffle oil, or extra garlic for a gourmet touch.
5. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the sausage and mushrooms in advance, then quickly sauté everything with cauliflower rice before serving.
