Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet – Quick, Easy & Flavorful One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Looking for a quick meal full of flavor? This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect choice! It’s made with smoky sausage, tasty rice, and colorful veggies for a delicious one-pan meal. Everything cooks together, so you save both time and dishes.
Whether you love spicy Cajun food or just want a fast and easy dinner, this recipe will soon be a family favorite. Get ready to fill your kitchen with an amazing smell — let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, you will need a few simple ingredients:
- Smoked Sausage: Use your favorite kind, like andouille or kielbasa, for a rich smoky taste.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier choice.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers adds color, sweetness, and a nice crunch.
- Onions: Yellow onions give a mild sweetness that balances the sausage flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a strong and tasty aroma to the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: This spice mix gives the meal its bold Cajun flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own with paprika, cayenne, thyme, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Chicken Broth: Used to cook the rice and make it flavorful.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the sausage and veggies perfectly.
- Optional Add-ins: Add fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a little hot sauce for extra flavor and spice.
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap sausage with shrimp or chicken for a different protein.
- Add tomatoes or zucchini for more veggies and nutrients.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free or low-carb option.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Follow these easy steps to make your tasty Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the smoked sausage into small round pieces.
- Chop the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water looks clear.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage slices and cook for 5–7 minutes until they turn brown and a little crispy.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and keep it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the veggies become soft and smell nice.
4. Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and mix well with the oil and veggies.
Toast it for about 2 minutes until it gives off a light, nutty smell.
5. Cook the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning.
Stir well, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is soft and the liquid is gone.
6. Finish the Dish
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet.
Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3–5 minutes so the flavors mix well.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Top with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Your delicious Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfecting Your Cajun Skillet
Adjust the Spice Level:
- If you like a mild flavor, use less Cajun seasoning or pick a milder sausage.
- For a spicier taste, add a little more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Perfect Rice:
- To get soft and fluffy rice, rinse it well before cooking to remove extra starch.
- Avoid stirring the rice too much while it cooks, so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Meal Prep:
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet stays fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
It’s great for meal prep or leftovers. Just keep it in an airtight box and reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Pairing Ideas:
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet goes great with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or some steamed broccoli on the side.
Variations:
- Replace sausage with shrimp for a tasty seafood version.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free or low-carb meal.
- Make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or adding more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Garnish Ideas:
- Top your dish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a little squeeze of lime for a bright touch.
- You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoon of sour cream for extra flavor.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Course: MainCuisine: Cajun, Southern4
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcal30
minutesThis Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple one-pan meal packed with bold and smoky flavors. With only a few ingredients like smoked sausage, rice, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning, you can make a delicious and filling dish in less than 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
Cut the sausage into ½-inch round slices.
Chop the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water looks clear. - Cook the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sausage slices and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.
Remove the sausage from the skillet and keep it aside. - Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and bell peppers.
Cook for about 3 minutes until soft.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells nice and fragrant. - Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and mix it well with the veggies and oil.
Toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring sometimes, until it gives off a light, nutty smell. - Cook the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning.
Stir well and bring the mix to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is soft and all the liquid is gone. - Combine and Finish
When the rice is done, add the sausage back into the skillet.
Stir everything together and cook for 3–5 minutes so the flavors mix well. - Serve
Serve warm and top with chopped parsley, green onions, and a bit of hot sauce if you like.
Keyword
- Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
FAQ’s
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it needs more time to cook — about 35–40 minutes. You’ll also need to add a little extra liquid, so adjust the water and cooking time as needed.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Of course! You can replace smoked sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian meal. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the sausage you choose.
