Oh, this dish! Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet is the perfect combination of bold flavors, hearty sausage, and fluffy rice, all cooked in one skillet. It’s smoky, spicy, and so satisfying—it’s like a flavor-packed hug in a bowl! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish that’s sure to impress at dinner parties, this one delivers. I promise, it’s going to be a hit—just wait until you smell it cooking. Get ready for an explosion of flavor with every bite!
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Why You’ll Love Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet
This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why this dish has earned a permanent spot on our rotation:
Versatile: This one-skillet wonder can be customized to fit any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a hearty family meal. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and bold flavor that works for everyone.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples and some sausage, you can create a meal that feels rich and indulgent. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to break the bank.
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes! This recipe is great when you need something filling but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Flavor-Packed: With Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and smoky sausage, this dish delivers tons of flavor in every bite. The spices will dance on your tastebuds, and the rice soaks up all those wonderful juices!
One-Pan Magic: No complicated steps here! Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The simplicity of the process ensures a stress-free meal, so you can focus on enjoying the flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s the secret to this skillet’s greatness—it’s all in the ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this easy and flavorful dish:
Sausage: I like using smoked sausage for that rich, smoky flavor. You can go for kielbasa or any type of sausage you love. It’s what brings the heat and depth to the dish.
Rice: The backbone of the dish. It absorbs all those delicious Cajun spices and pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Bell Peppers: Sweet, juicy bell peppers add color and crunch to the dish. They balance out the heat and bring freshness to the skillet.
Onion: A must for adding a savory base to the dish. Onion adds that sweetness and depth of flavor that make this skillet irresistible.
Garlic: For that punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! It’s spicy, smoky, and full of bold flavors. You can make your own or buy a ready-made blend.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring a bit of acidity that complements the richness of the sausage.
Chicken Broth: To cook the rice and add moisture, infusing all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and sausage.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s break down the steps to make this flavorful Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet:
Sauté the Sausage: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. This is where all the flavor starts!
Cook the Veggies: Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant. The veggies will soak up all that sausage goodness.
Season It: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stir everything to coat, and let the spices bloom. The smell is going to be irresistible!
Add Rice & Tomatoes: Stir in the rice and diced tomatoes, letting the rice toast slightly in the spices. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve warm. You’ll have a delicious, one-pan meal that’s full of Cajun flair.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to elevate it, here are a few sides that pair perfectly with it:
Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the heat of the Cajun spices.
Garlic Bread: Serve some warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up all the flavors from the skillet.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies, like asparagus or green beans, would make a nice healthy side to complement the richness of the skillet.
Additional Tips
Here are some bonus tips to help you get the most out of this dish:
Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and sausage ahead of time to make the cooking process even quicker.
Spice It Up: Want more heat? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use turkey sausage or go vegetarian with plant-based sausage.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet or microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the smoked sausage for chicken sausage, andouille sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a different spin.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this dish keeps well for a couple of days in the fridge. You can reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container, and reheat it in the microwave or skillet when you’re ready.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the rice looks dry, add a little splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! If you’ve got a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just use a larger skillet or cook it in batches.
Q7: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A7: Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a little longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
A8: Absolutely! You can toss in some zucchini, spinach, or even corn for added texture and flavor.
Q9: Is this dish spicy?
A9: It has a nice level of heat from the Cajun seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less seasoning, or adding a pinch of cayenne if you like it hot.
Q10: Can I make this dish without the sausage?
A10: Yes, you can skip the sausage and use a plant-based option, or even tofu for a vegetarian take on the recipe.
Conclusion
This Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet is the perfect comfort food with a spicy, smoky twist. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and so satisfying. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead—give it a try! You’ll be so glad you did.
Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish bursting with bold Cajun spices and savory sausage. The rice absorbs all the delicious seasonings, making each bite a burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner idea, this dish is both hearty and easy to prepare, ideal for busy nights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned.
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg