Name: Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp salt (optional); ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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There's nothing quite like the bold, smoky flavors of a Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet filling your kitchen. This one-pan wonder is packed with juicy sausage, tender rice, and a perfect blend of Cajun spices that bring a little heat to every bite.

I first fell in love with this dish after a trip to Louisiana, where I experienced authentic Cajun cooking. Ever since, it's been my go-to meal when I crave something comforting yet effortless. Plus, it's budget-friendly and made in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You'll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

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Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is more than just a meal—it's an explosion of flavor that comes together with minimal effort.

First off, it's quick and easy. With everything cooking in a single skillet, you can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

It's also budget-friendly. This recipe relies on simple, affordable ingredients like smoked sausage, rice, and canned tomatoes, making it a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Another reason to love it? It's customizable. Whether you prefer chicken sausage, shrimp, or a vegetarian version, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.

Finally, it’s packed with bold Cajun flavors. The combination of smoked sausage, bell peppers, and spices creates a deeply satisfying dish with just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in bringing this one-skillet meal to life.

Smoked sausage is the star of the show. Andouille sausage is the best choice for an authentic Cajun kick, but if you prefer something milder, kielbasa or turkey sausage work great too.

Long-grain white rice absorbs all the flavors while maintaining a fluffy texture. Avoid short-grain rice, as it tends to get too sticky. If you’re using brown rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Bell peppers and onions add a natural sweetness that balances out the heat. Use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for both color and flavor variety.

Cajun seasoning is what gives this dish its signature flavor. Store-bought blends work well, but if you prefer homemade, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano for a custom mix.

Chicken broth enhances the overall flavor while helping the rice cook to perfection. For a deeper taste, swap it out with homemade stock.

How To Make This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Making this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is as easy as it gets. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in your sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Next, add your diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, letting the vegetables soften while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sausage.

Now it’s time to stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes. Mixing the dry rice with the seasonings at this stage ensures every grain is coated with bold flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Once done, give everything a good stir and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if you like it spicier!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is simple.

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better overnight, making this a fantastic make-ahead meal.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is how versatile it is. Here are some great variations to try:

If you want to add protein, try stirring in cooked shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken at the end. They soak up the flavors beautifully and add extra heartiness.

For a spicier version, use extra cayenne pepper or swap out the smoked sausage for a spicier Andouille variety.

Need a vegetarian option? Simply skip the sausage and add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even black beans for a plant-based twist.

If you’re watching carbs, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Just reduce the liquid and cooking time since cauliflower cooks much faster than regular rice.

Want it extra creamy? Stir in a handful of shredded cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer texture.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to be a winner. So grab your skillet and enjoy a taste of Louisiana right from your own kitchen!