This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a bold, flavorful dish packed with smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, tender rice, and the perfect blend of Cajun spices. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste (if needed)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Spices: Stir in the uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the rice is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Add a Side: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the bold Cajun flavors.
- Cooling Option: A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can balance the spice.
Tips & Variations
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, chicken, or even tofu instead of sausage for a different protein option.
- Extra Veggies: Add okra, celery, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese for a creamy finish.
- Rice Options: Use brown rice for a whole-grain option (adjust cooking time accordingly).
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is spicy, savory, and satisfying—a true comfort food classic that comes together in a flash. Perfect for when you need a quick, delicious meal with bold flavors.
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Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a bold, flavorful dish packed with smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, tender rice, and the perfect blend of Cajun spices. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste (if needed)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Spices: Stir in the uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the rice is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, chicken, or even tofu instead of sausage for a different protein option.
- Extra Veggies: Add okra, celery, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese for a creamy finish.
- Rice Options: Use brown rice for a whole-grain option (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving