Bold peppers, smoky sausage, and fluffy rice—all coming together in one pan for a cozy weeknight feast! If you’re searching for a flavor-packed comfort dish that requires minimal cleanup, look no further than this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. Every bite is a little celebration of Cajun-inspired spices, robust sausage, and tender veggies, all tied together in a deeply satisfying, colorful skillet supper the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes every spoonful of this dish so irresistible: Simple, fresh ingredients that shine with Cajun flair. Each item plays a vital role, bringing savory depth, vibrant color, and just the right kick of heat to this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil lays down a flavorful foundation for browning the sausage and veggies.
- Smoked Sausage (14 oz, sliced into rounds): The star of the dish—try smoky andouille for authentic Cajun flavor, or your favorite kielbasa or chicken sausage.
- Small Onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth as it softens and mingles with the sausage.
- Bell Pepper (any color, diced): For vibrant crunch and a pop of color—use red, yellow, or green, depending on your mood.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A classic Cajun ingredient, it infuses every grain of rice with extra savory warmth.
- Cajun Seasoning (1 teaspoon, plus more to taste): The heart of the recipe—adjust the heat to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
- Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup, uncooked): Fluffy rice soaks up all those bold seasonings and sausage drippings beautifully.
- Chicken Broth (2 1/4 cups): The liquid that steams the rice and brings everything together; low-sodium broth works well if you want to control saltiness.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and deep color to every bite.
- Dried Thyme (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of herbal earthiness for extra Cajun authenticity.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning just right at each stage—taste as you go!
- Green Onions (2, sliced for garnish): These fresh, peppery slices wake up your finished dish with vibrant color and crunch.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Bright, fresh parsley makes your skillet pop both in taste and on the table.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add your sausage slices in a single layer. Let them brown for 4 to 5 minutes—this step is where the magic happens! Browning the sausage gives you those irresistibly crispy, caramelized edges that infuse the oil and set the stage for everything else. Don’t rush this part; it’s worth the wait.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Into the sizzling sausage goes the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant. This combo creates a wildly inviting aroma and builds a colorful base for your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. If you love your veggies with a bit of bite, leave them just slightly crisp!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, letting them cook for just about a minute. This quick sauté is your chance to “bloom” those spices, unlocking their punchy flavor and filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering Cajun scent.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids
Pour in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, paprika, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to evenly distribute the flavors. The rice will soak up all those seasoned juices, creating a warm and deeply savory base for the rest of your skillet supper.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Increase the heat to bring your skillet to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is blissfully tender and has soaked up nearly all the liquid. If you want a softer texture, add a splash more broth and cook an extra minute or two.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Take your skillet off the heat, keeping the lid on, and let it rest for five minutes. This little pause lets the rice finish steaming, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains. When you’re ready, fluff the rice gently with a fork to distribute all those savory bites of sausage and veggies throughout the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Scatter sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top just before serving. These little finishing touches add brightness and make your skillet look as mouthwatering as it tastes. Serve hot and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of sliced green onions and a flurry of chopped parsley brings a fresh, vibrant finish to this dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a lively zing to each serving. Don’t forget a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning for the boldest spice lovers!
Side Dishes
Although Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe can easily shine as a complete meal, it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, buttery cornbread, or roasted veggies like okra or green beans. These sides offer a lovely balance, cooling off the spice and adding extra freshness, crunch, or creaminess to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in colorful bowls or even lightly charred bell pepper halves for a festive touch! This skillet also works great as a hearty base for a brunch spread—top each bowl with a fried or poached egg for extra richness. Let everyone personalize their own serving with their favorite hot sauce or extra herbs on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container once cooled. Stored in the fridge, your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors mellow and meld, making those reheated servings nearly as wonderful as when first made!
Freezing
This skillet dish freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and lay them flat for easy stacking. Label with the date and enjoy your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe anytime within three months—the rice might be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavors remain bold and satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Topping with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon brightens things up beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Definitely! Brown rice brings a nutty bite and extra fiber, but it will need more time and extra liquid to cook—plan for about 40 to 45 minutes of simmering, adding additional broth as needed to ensure the grains turn out perfectly tender.
What sausage works best for this recipe?
Andouille sausage is classic for Cajun dishes, delivering smoky heat and plenty of flavor. However, kielbasa or chicken sausage makes a fantastic substitute. Just choose a fully cooked, robust sausage that browns well and you’ll capture all the spirit of the original Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning or drizzling hot sauce over your portion just before serving. You can also seek out a spicier variety of smoked sausage for an even bigger kick!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided you check your sausage and chicken broth for hidden gluten ingredients. The recipe itself doesn’t call for wheat or other gluten-containing products, making it a great option for gluten-free weeknight dinners.
What can I add for more veggies?
Feel free to toss in chopped celery, corn kernels, chopped tomatoes, or even baby spinach right at the end. The beauty of Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is its flexibility—extra veggies boost nutrition and make each batch uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a one-pan meal that packs a flavor punch and brings warmth to the table, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a must-try. You’ll be amazed by its simplicity, versatility, and those bold, smoky layers of Cajun comfort. Give it a go—you just might find it becomes your own go-to favorite!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavor-packed one-pan meal that is quick and easy to make. Smoked sausage, bell peppers, and onions cooked with Cajun spices and rice in a savory broth create a delicious dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning.
- Include rice, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with green onions and parsley.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste preference.
- Andouille sausage adds great flavor, but kielbasa or chicken sausage are good substitutes.
- For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
