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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Dear god if you don’t like heat do NOT USE SLAP YO MOMMA SEASONING. If so reduce amount . My eyes are watering writing this.
Thank for the warning!