Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Name: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds; 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); Green onions (optional, for garnish); Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

by Sophia

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re anything like me, weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a juggling act—balancing time, taste, and cleanup. That’s where this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe comes in! It’s a quick, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s made with pantry staples and a sprinkle of bold Cajun seasoning. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner.

Let me walk you through why this dish is a game-changer and how you can make it your next go-to meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: perfectly browned smoked sausage paired with fluffy, spice-infused rice and tender sautéed vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a Southern twist! And don’t worry if you’re not a spice lover—this recipe is completely customizable to suit your heat preference.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also practical. With just 10 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes to cook, you can have dinner ready in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile enough to fit the bill.

What You’ll Need to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients:

Smoked Sausage: Andouille or Kielbasa works wonderfully, adding a smoky depth to the dish.
Vegetables: A colorful mix of red and green bell peppers, onion, and garlic provides sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Long-Grain White Rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch for perfectly separated grains.

Chicken Broth: Ensures moist, flavorful rice.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! Adjust the amount to your taste.
Olive Oil: Helps the sausage and vegetables cook to perfection.

Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce take the dish to the next level.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, spend a few minutes prepping everything. Slice your smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds, dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Don’t skip rinsing your rice—this step ensures your final dish isn’t gummy or sticky.

Pro Tip: Keep all your ingredients within arm’s reach. Since this is a one-pan dish, things move fast once you start cooking!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your sliced sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are beautifully browned and crispy.

This step not only locks in the sausage’s flavor but also leaves behind little browned bits (a.k.a. flavor gold) that will enhance the rest of the dish. Once the sausage is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t clean the skillet! You want to keep all that sausage goodness in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, toss in your diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and their natural sweetness shines through. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!

Now that your kitchen is filled with the savory aroma of sautéed veggies and perfectly browned sausage, it’s time to turn up the flavor! In this part, we’ll toast the rice, simmer it to perfection, and bring everything together in one irresistible skillet. Plus, I’ll share some tips to ensure this dish turns out flawless every time.

Step 4: Toast the Rice for Extra Flavor

Here’s where this recipe starts to stand out. After your veggies are soft and fragrant, stir in the rinsed rice. Toasting the rice in the same skillet adds a subtle nuttiness and ensures it stays fluffy during cooking.

Keep the skillet over medium heat and stir the rice frequently for about 2 minutes, or until you catch a light golden hue and a toasty aroma. This simple step makes a big difference in the final texture and taste of your dish.

Pro Tip: Be patient and don’t rush this step! The toasting process helps the rice absorb flavors more effectively later.

Step 5: Simmer the Rice

Next, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine everything, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

During this time, the rice will absorb the broth, and all the spices will blend beautifully, infusing each grain with bold, zesty flavor.

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid and check on the rice too often! Keeping the lid on traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Once the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, it’s time to reunite the sausage with the rest of the dish. Add the browned sausage back into the skillet and give everything a good stir.

Let the skillet cook on low for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sausage to warm through and the flavors to meld. You’ll notice the dish becoming even more aromatic, with the Cajun spices tying everything together in perfect harmony.

Optional Additions: Feeling extra adventurous? Add a handful of frozen peas or diced tomatoes during this step for a pop of color and extra nutrients.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Cajun Skillet

This dish is incredibly versatile, so here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Protein Swap: Not a fan of sausage? Try using diced chicken breast, shrimp, or even plant-based sausage alternatives.
Vegetable Add-Ons: Toss in sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn kernels for extra texture and flavor.
Spice Control: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild Cajun seasoning or adding extra hot sauce if you love spice.

Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the top during the last few minutes for a gooey, melty finish.

Your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is almost ready to serve, but before you dig in, let’s cover some common questions and helpful tips. Then, we’ll wrap things up with a little inspiration to make this dish a regular star in your kitchen.

FAQ: Your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Questions Answered

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. However, it takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time to about 30-35 minutes and add a bit more chicken broth if needed.

2. What’s the best sausage to use for this recipe?
Andouille sausage is the classic choice for authentic Cajun flavor, but Kielbasa or any smoked sausage works just as well. If you prefer a spicier kick, try a spicy chorizo or hot Italian sausage.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or diced tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Amp up the seasoning to ensure the dish stays bold and flavorful.

4. My rice turned out mushy—what went wrong?
This can happen if too much liquid is used or the lid is lifted frequently during cooking. Stick to the recommended broth-to-rice ratio and avoid stirring or peeking while the rice is simmering.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

6. How can I make it spicier?
For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Serve with sliced jalapeños on top for a fiery finish.

7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra liquid.

Conclusion: Your One-Pan Dinner Hero

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet isn’t just a recipe—it’s a weeknight game-changer. Packed with bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and customizable options, it’s a dish that fits into your life as easily as it fits onto your table.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or simply looking for something hearty and satisfying, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.