Creating this delicious smoked sausage and rice dish is straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a wonderful meal:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the long-grain rice, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
5. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Add Peas and Carrots: If using, stir in the frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

These straightforward steps will guide you through making this incredible dish without any hassle.