Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Here's a delicious and easy one-pan meal you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is packed with bold flavors, smoky sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice, all cooked together in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I needed something fast and satisfying. The combination of juicy sausage, tender rice, and vibrant veggies was an instant hit, and now it’s a go-to recipe whenever I need a comforting, flavorful meal in a hurry.

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this easy and hearty skillet meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This dish is a flavor-packed lifesaver for busy nights. It's quick, simple, and requires only one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

You won’t believe how fast this meal comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dinner that tastes like it took hours to make.

Smoked sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with Cajun seasoning. It’s the perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and richness in every bite.

This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients, you can feed a family without breaking the bank.

Best of all, it’s completely customizable. Swap out the sausage, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Once you try this easy skillet dinner, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal plan.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this dish’s bold flavor lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds depth and texture, making every bite irresistible.

Smoked sausage is the star of the show. Whether you use andouille for extra spice or kielbasa for a milder flavor, it provides a deliciously smoky, savory base. Slice it into rounds for even cooking and the perfect sear.

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it stays fluffy and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Avoid using instant or short-grain rice, as they can become too mushy.

Bell peppers and onions add color, crunch, and a natural sweetness that balances out the spice. A mix of red, green, and yellow peppers makes for a visually appealing dish.

Cajun seasoning brings all the flavors together. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne.

A good quality chicken broth infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks. It also ensures the rice turns out tender and well-seasoned. If you prefer a richer taste, swap in vegetable broth or bone broth.

To cook this dish efficiently, you’ll need a large skillet with a lid. A heavy-bottomed pan, like cast iron or stainless steel, works best to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.

How to Make This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This dish comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. Let’s break it down so you can get this meal on the table with ease.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and let it shimmer before adding the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers. They’ll pick up all the delicious browned bits left behind by the sausage, adding extra depth to the dish. Stir occasionally until the veggies are soft and slightly caramelized.

Next, add the garlic and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step helps the spices bloom, making the flavors even more intense.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked rice. Make sure the rice is fully submerged so it cooks evenly. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and bring everything to a simmer.

Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the broth. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this can interfere with the cooking process.

After the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute, making the rice extra fluffy. Fluff with a fork before serving, and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying, flavor-packed meal ready to enjoy.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well and tastes just as good the next day.

For refrigeration, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay the bags flat for easier storage. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is simple. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to tweak based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

If you prefer a milder version, use regular smoked sausage instead of andouille and reduce the Cajun seasoning. You can also substitute sweet paprika for some of the spicier elements.

For a low-carb option, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. Simply cook the sausage and veggies as directed, then stir in pre-cooked cauliflower rice at the end.

Want to add more protein? Stir in cooked shrimp or shredded chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra hearty meal.

Vegetable lovers can bulk up the dish by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes. These add texture and even more flavor to the dish.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, make your own low-sodium Cajun seasoning and opt for a reduced-sodium chicken broth. This keeps the bold flavors while cutting back on the salt.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make this dish your own. However you customize it, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is guaranteed to be a hit.

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