Name: Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

There's something magical about the bold flavors of Cajun cooking, and this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet brings them straight to your dinner table with ease. Spicy, smoky, and bursting with vibrant spices, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, hearty, and full of flavor.

I first discovered this recipe on a trip to Louisiana, where I fell in love with the deep, rich flavors of Cajun cuisine. The combination of savory sausage, tender rice, and a medley of peppers and onions creates a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want a meal that’s big on taste with minimal cleanup.

Why You'll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's as easy as it is delicious. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is packed with bold flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes.

First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just one skillet and a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner on the table without a mountain of dishes to clean up afterward.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like rice, sausage, and bell peppers means you can feed your whole family without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the amazing flavors. The smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning combined with the rich, seared sausage and fluffy rice creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Plus, this recipe is versatile! You can adjust the spice level, swap out the protein, or even throw in extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that signature Cajun flavor.

Smoked sausage is the star of this dish. I love using andouille sausage for its bold, smoky flavor, but kielbasa or even a good-quality chicken sausage will work just as well.

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it absorbs all the delicious flavors while maintaining the perfect texture. If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid slightly.

Bell peppers and onions add sweetness and a little crunch to balance out the spice. I recommend using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful, vibrant dish.

Cajun seasoning brings the heat! You can use store-bought or make your own by blending paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and a touch of oregano and thyme.

For the liquid, chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor, making the rice extra tasty. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a lighter version.

How To Make This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Making this dish is a breeze, and everything comes together in one pan for ultimate convenience.

Start by slicing the sausage into rounds and searing them in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let them brown for a few minutes to develop a deep, caramelized flavor. Once they’re golden and slightly crispy, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

In the same skillet, add a splash of oil and toss in your chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they soften and start to develop some color, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Toasting the rice for a minute or two before adding liquid helps give it a slightly nutty flavor and keeps the grains from getting mushy.

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to distribute the flavors, then return the sausage to the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—this helps the rice cook evenly!

Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option.

For the fridge, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.

For the freezer, portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is!

Want to make it extra spicy? Add more cayenne or toss in some sliced jalapeños while sautéing the peppers and onions.

Need a low-carb option? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Just reduce the amount of broth since cauliflower doesn’t absorb liquid the same way rice does.

Looking for a different protein? Try shrimp, chicken, or even ground turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Prefer a vegetarian version? Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. You can also add extra beans or mushrooms for more texture and heartiness.

No matter how you customize it, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is sure to be a hit at your table. Try it tonight and enjoy a bold, comforting meal with minimal effort!