This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the vibrant, soul-warming dinner you’ll want to make again and again! In just one pan, you’ll find juicy smoked sausage, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice all cooked together in a punchy Cajun-spiced broth—an absolute joy ride for your taste buds and a weeknight hero for busy cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single skillet for effortless prep and a minimal cleanup dream.
- Big, Bold Cajun Flavor: The Cajun seasoning and smoked sausage bring the kind of savory heat and depth that seriously satisfies.
- Weeknight Fast: From chopping board to table in about 30 minutes, this dish works even on your busiest nights!
- Perfectly Customizable: Switch up the proteins or veggies, dial up the spice, or make it your own for guaranteed family love every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is how it relies on straightforward, everyday ingredients that, together, deliver knockout flavor and gorgeous color. Each ingredient plays a key role—think aromatic onions for the base, juicy sausage for richness, and bell peppers for a vibrant burst of sweetness.
- Smoked Sausage (12 oz): Andouille lends irresistible smokiness, but kielbasa or any good smoked sausage will make this skillet sing.
- Rice (1 cup, long-grain white): Rinsing keeps the grains fluffy and prevents sticking, while long-grain rice does the best job soaking up those Cajun flavors.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: Their sweetness and color add balance and eye-candy—you’ll love the color contrast in every forkful.
- Onion (yellow or white): Essential for that classic savory base.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Adds warmth and punch; mince it for even flavor.
- Chicken Broth (1 ½ cups): The flavorful backbone that steams the rice and ties everything together.
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp): Homemade or store-bought, it’s the heart of that spicy, herby southern vibe.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For browning the sausage and softening those veggies to savory perfection.
- Salt and Pepper: Just to taste—remember, the sausage and Cajun spice already bring some saltiness and heat.
- Fresh Parsley & Green Onions (Optional, for garnish): For a fresh, colorful finish and bright flavor pop.
- Hot Sauce (Optional, for serving): Delicious if you like things extra zesty!
Variations
One reason I adore making a Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is how easily you can make it your own—whether you need it gluten-free or want to use up odds and ends from your fridge. Don’t hesitate to get creative and riff based on what your family loves or what you have on hand!
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or add extra beans for that protein boost and heartiness.
- Vary the Veggies: Toss in chopped celery, corn, or even okra for a fun twist on the Creole classic.
- Use Brown Rice: Go whole grain—just increase the broth and let it simmer longer to ensure the rice is perfectly tender.
- Adjust the Spice: Make it mild for kids by reducing the Cajun seasoning, or toss in cayenne or extra hot sauce for spice-lovers!
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients
Slice your smoked sausage into rounds, dice both bell peppers and the onion, and mince your garlic. Give your rice a good rinse under cold water until it runs clear—this helps prevent stickiness and gives you those beautifully separated grains. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process feel completely effortless.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium. When it shimmers, add the sausage rounds in a single layer. Let them get nice and browned—about 5-7 minutes, so the edges crisp up and the centers stay juicy. Scoop out the sausage and set it aside, leaving behind those flavorful bits for the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté Peppers, Onion, & Garlic
In the same skillet, add your onion and both bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring, until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute more—once you catch that big whiff of garlicky goodness, you’re set for the next step!
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add your rinsed rice straight into the veggie mix. Toast it gently for 2 minutes, stirring now and then, so it picks up all the spicy oils and starts to smell deliciously nutty. This step infuses extra depth and strengthens the rice’s texture.
Step 5: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom. Bring it all to a boil, then immediately drop the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy, and all the broth is soaked up.
Step 6: Finish, Combine, and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, return your browned sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together and let it all cook for another 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Top with a sprinkle of parsley, chopped green onions, and maybe a few shakes of hot sauce for that perfect Cajun finish!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Rice Rinsing Ritual: Always rinse your rice! You’ll avoid gummy results and guarantee each grain cooks separately in the skillet’s savory broth.
- Sausage Browning Magic: Let the sausage really caramelize—those crispy edges and flavor-packed bits left in your pan truly make this dish sing.
- Low-and-Slow Simmer: Cover tightly and keep the heat low when simmering the rice, so you lock in moisture and prevent burning beneath.
- Cajun Seasoning Savvy: Taste your sausage and broth before adding extra salt; some sausages are extra zesty, so adjust seasoning to fit your palate.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and green onions really brings out the colors and adds a fresh finish to every serving. If you’re feeling bold, let everyone pass the hot sauce at the table—just a few shakes make this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet totally irresistible for spice lovers!
Side Dishes
To round out your skillet supper, pair with a crisp green salad or a basket of warm cornbread. A side of sautéed greens or a juicy tomato salad adds a lovely cool-down to the zesty heat of the main dish, making every forkful extra satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet into shallow bowls and top with extra herbs for a rustic, homespun look. Or, for a dinner party, serve family-style straight from your skillet—let guests help themselves! For lunchboxes, try packing the leftovers into single-serve containers for delicious, reheat-and-go meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day—perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner encore!
Freezing
This skillet meal is freezer-friendly! Cool completely, portion into zip-top bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to flatten bags for faster thawing and reheating later on.
Reheating
To revive your leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water before gently reheating on the stove or in the microwave. This keeps the rice moist and restores that just-cooked quality.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Andouille is classic for an authentic Cajun kick, but kielbasa and even Italian sausage (sweet or hot) work really well. For a lighter version, try turkey or chicken sausage—just keep an eye on seasoning levels as leaner sausages may need a flavor boost.
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What’s the best rice for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the spicy broth beautifully. You can use jasmine rice for extra aroma or swap in brown rice (with extra broth and a longer simmer), though the texture will be chewier.
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How do I make this recipe less spicy?
To tone down the heat, simply use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. Skip the hot sauce at serving time, and if you like, add extra bell peppers for a touch more sweetness and balance.
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Can I make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic meal-prep fare. Make it up to 3 days in advance, refrigerate portions, and enjoy quick lunches or dinners all week long. The flavors get even better as they mingle in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful one-skillet dinner that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing and guarantee big smiles around the table, Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet needs to land on your menu soon! Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite—happy cooking, and enjoy every spicy, savory bite!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic Cajun seasonings with tender white rice. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 oz Smoked Sausage, such as Andouille or Kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup Long-grain White Rice, rinsed
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 medium Yellow or White Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning, store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Parsley, optional, for garnish
- Green Onions, optional, for garnish
- Hot Sauce, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Sausage Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to smell fragrant.
- Cook the Rice Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Finish Once the rice is cooked, add the sausage back to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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