Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet (Quick, Flavorful & Easy)

Looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in no time?

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is your answer!

With smoky sausage, perfectly seasoned rice, and a medley of vibrant veggies, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, saving you time and cleanup!

Whether you’re a fan of spicy Cajun cuisine or just need a quick dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Ready to make your kitchen smell irresistible? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Smoked Sausage: Choose your favorite smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, for that rich, smoky flavor.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with brown rice for a healthier option.
• Bell Peppers: A colorful mix of red and green bell peppers adds sweetness and crunch.
• Onions: Yellow onions will add a subtle sweetness to balance the savory sausage.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant depth of flavor to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: This blend of spices is key to the dish’s signature bold flavor. You can buy pre-made Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne, thyme, garlic powder, and oregano.
• Chicken Broth: For cooking the rice and infusing it with flavor.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the sausage and veggies.
• Optional Add-ins: For added flavor, consider tossing in a handful of fresh parsley, some sliced green onions, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Substitutions & Additions:

• Swap sausage for shrimp or chicken for a different protein.
• Add tomatoes or zucchini to the veggie mix for extra nutrients.
• Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your flavorful Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet:

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   • Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds.
   • Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
   • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the Sausage
   • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
   • In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice
   • Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes until it smells nutty and fragrant.
5. Cook the Rice
   • Pour in the chicken broth, and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Finish the Dish
   • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring it into the rice and veggies. Let everything cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cajun Skillet

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder sausage. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce!
• Perfect Rice: For fluffy rice, make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch. Also, avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s cooking to keep it from becoming mushy.
• Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• Pairing Ideas: This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is perfect with a side of cornbread, a fresh salad, or steamed broccoli.
• Variations:
  • Add shrimp in place of sausage for a seafood twist.
  • Swap out rice for quinoa for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative.
  • Make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or simply adding more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
• Garnish Ideas: Top with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish. You can also drizzle hot sauce or add a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes), and you’ll need to add extra liquid. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute smoked sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the sausage type.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth.

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that's as easy to make as it is full of bold, smoky flavors.

With just a few ingredients, including smoked sausage, rice, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

4.50 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun, Southern

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz Smoked Sausage such as Andouille or Kielbasa sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 cup Rice long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 Bell Pepper red, diced
• 1 Bell Pepper green, diced
• 1 medium Onion yellow or white, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 ½ 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.

Keyword Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet