If you’re craving a bold, soul-warming meal that comes together in one pan, the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe simply checks every box. Each bite captures smoky sausage, sweet bell pepper, and savory Cajun spices, all nestled into fluffy rice that soaks up every last drop of flavor. This is the kind of dinner that feels like an instant celebration—fast enough for a weeknight, but delicious enough for serving guests. Whether you’re a total beginner or a well-seasoned cook, you can master this recipe, and I promise, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of pantry and fridge staples mingle to make the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe pop with flavor and color. Each ingredient adds something special—don’t skip a thing if you want that perfect blend of comfort and Southern flair!
- Smoked sausage (12 oz, sliced into rounds): The star of the show—smoky, savory sausage delivers bold Cajun depth and satisfying bites.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gets the sausage sizzling and the veggies caramelized, unlocking their best flavors.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Gives sweetness and texture, balancing out the spicy kick.
- Green bell pepper (1, diced): Classic in Cajun cooking, it adds crunch, freshness, and color.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lifts everything with aromatic depth—don’t be shy!
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Keeps everything fluffy, soaks up those juicy flavors, and makes the dish hearty.
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Infuses the rice with extra savoriness, ensuring every bite is comforting.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Adds tang, brightness, and just enough juiciness to the skillet.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): The magical blend for heat and flavor—add more or less to suit your spice cravings.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts color and smoky undertones, tying in perfectly with the sausage.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For that subtle warmth and balance.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional): These bring a fresh finish and make your skillet look stunning.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage rounds and let them sizzle away for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until you see gorgeous brown edges. Browning the sausage not only builds flavor, but those little crispy bits that cling to the pan are pure Cajun gold. Scoop out the sausage and set it aside—you’ll put it back in later!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (don’t clean it, all those tasty bits are important!), toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every so often, until they turn soft and a little bit golden. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let that fragrant, garlicky goodness bloom for 30 seconds. This is the backbone of your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the dry, uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir it all together and toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step gives the rice extra flavor—plus, it helps the grains stay separate and fluffy rather than sticky.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices
Now pour in your chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (juices and all). Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything so the flavors get evenly distributed. You’ll smell the Cajun aroma building already!
Step 5: Simmer
Return your browned sausage to the skillet, nestling it in with the rice and veggies. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes—no peeking! The rice needs the steam to get plush and tender, and all that scrumptious broth will soak into every grain.
Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for five minutes. This brief wait lets the rice finish absorbing all the flavors and makes it extra fluffy. Uncover, fluff with a fork, top with chopped green onions or parsley if you’d like, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley is all it takes to bring your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe from “yum” to “wow!” The herbs add a pop of color and just the right dash of freshness to balance all those cozy, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with Southern favorites like a crisp green salad, cornbread, or tangy coleslaw. Steamed green beans or sautéed okra would beautifully complement the dish’s bold, spicy character. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve with a side of honey-butter corn on the cob!
Creative Ways to Present
You can spoon the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe straight from skillet to table for a true family-style experience—people love gathering around! For a jazzed-up presentation, serve it in colorful bowls topped with extra herbs, or stuff cooled leftovers into bell pepper halves and bake them for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe store beautifully. Scoop cooled portions into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even better!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags for up to 3 months. To keep the rice fluffy on reheating, make sure the portions cool completely before freezing and avoid overpacking.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave a serving with a splash of broth or water to steam it back to life—cover loosely so it heats evenly. On the stovetop, a quick warm-up over medium-low with a bit of extra broth works wonders. Stir gently to keep the rice from breaking down.
FAQs
Can I make the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe with brown rice?
Absolutely! Just swap in an equal amount of uncooked brown rice, but be sure to add a bit more chicken broth (about 1/2 cup extra) and increase the simmering time to around 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe has a gentle heat from Cajun seasoning, but it’s easy to adjust. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne; for a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning or a mild smoked sausage.
Can I add shrimp or other proteins?
Definitely! Shrimp is a tasty Southern twist—just stir in peeled raw shrimp for the last 5 minutes of simmering so they cook through but stay tender. You can also use chicken thighs or sliced turkey sausage if preferred.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No problem! Make a quick blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and a little oregano. Taste and tweak as you go—it’s all about personal flavor!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free smoked sausage and confirm your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free certified, this recipe is naturally friendly for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe a try the next time you want a dinner that’s both satisfying and full of personality. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into something undeniably delicious—so gather your family, dish it up hot, and savor every bold, Cajun-inspired bite!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines smoked sausage, vegetables, rice, and Cajun spices for a delicious Southern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
12 oz sliced into rounds
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Yellow Onion:
1 small, diced
Green Bell Pepper:
1, diced
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced
Long-Grain White Rice:
1 cup, uncooked
Chicken Broth:
2 1/4 cups
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14.5 oz), undrained
Cajun Seasoning:
1 tablespoon
Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Garnish:
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Brown the sliced sausage for 4–5 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Return sausage to the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Substitute brown rice, adjusting cooking time and liquid.
- Enhance with shrimp or okra for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
