The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is, hands-down, one of those all-in-one meals that never fails to bring excitement to the table! Smoky sausage, classic Cajun veggies, aromatic rice, and a punchy blend of spices all come together in a single pan—making this dish effortlessly delicious and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s bold, colorful, and satisfying, or you want a meal that can wow a crowd without mountains of dirty dishes, this recipe is truly a keeper. Dive into bold flavors, vibrant textures, and that unmistakable Cajun kick—all ready in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a few simple staples transform into the unforgettable Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding depth, vibrant color, or a savory punch that makes the finished dish totally crave-worthy.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon is all you need to kick off the sauté, adding richness and helping everything brown beautifully.
- Smoked sausage: Go for classic smoked sausage or andouille—its savory, smoky flavor is truly the backbone of the dish.
- Onion: Diced onion lays down a sweet, aromatic foundation while melding with Cajun spices.
- Green bell pepper: This veggie brings a pop of color and a fresh, mild crunch to every bite.
- Celery: Essential for the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking, celery’s subtle, peppery flavor balances out the heartiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the skillet with warmth and a touch of sharpness.
- Long grain white rice: The fluffy, individual grains soak up all the rich flavors, making each spoonful perfect.
- Cajun seasoning: A must! This blend delivers a spicy, smoky, herby burst that screams Louisiana cookin’.
- Smoked paprika: Turn up the smoky undertones with every pinch—it really boosts both flavor and color.
- Dried thyme: Touches of earthiness from thyme round out the boldness without overpowering the veggies.
- Black pepper: A sprinkle sharpens the flavors and adds a gentle heat everyone will notice.
- Chicken broth: The secret to ultra-flavorful, fluffy rice—it lends savory depth and moisture.
- Diced tomatoes: With their juices, these make the rice ultra-juicy, tangy, and beautifully reddish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green at the end ties it all together with herby brightness.
- Hot sauce (optional): If you crave an extra fiery zip, this is your finishing touch.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add those mouthwatering slices of smoked sausage and let them sizzle for about 4–5 minutes. Once you see a golden, crispy edge form, remove the sausage and set it aside—the flavor they leave behind is pure Cajun magic and will infuse the veggies next.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same buttery-dripped pan, toss in your diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened, letting them soak up the sausage flavor. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice and Spices
Pour the uncooked rice right into the skillet, followed by Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the rice gets coated with all the punchy, aromatic spices—this extra step deepens the flavor tenfold!
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, then add chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Stir to combine, then bring the whole thing to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down low, cover, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and has pillowed up, soaking up every drop of that delicious Cajun flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Once the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes—this lets the grains finish steaming and ensures every bite is perfectly light and fluffy. Then gently fluff with a fork and get ready for some serious skillet satisfaction!
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley across the top of your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. If you’re a spice lover, a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce (try Louisiana-style!) will really send the flavors soaring. A squeeze of fresh lemon can also brighten up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but you can always pair it with classic Southern sides like skillet cornbread, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or roasted okra for an extra layer of comfort food goodness. A slice of crusty bread is also perfection for scooping up any saucy bits.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your crowd by scooping your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe into bell pepper halves or hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun, edible bowl. For family gatherings, serve it in a big cast iron pan and let everyone dig in family-style—just add some jazz to the playlist and watch the smiles multiply!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making next-day lunches just as delightful (if not more!).
Freezing
The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully—just cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its bold flavors for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, heat-and-eat dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a tablespoon of water or chicken broth into the leftovers and microwave covered, or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through. This helps revive the rice and keeps everything tantalizingly moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice works wonderfully, though you’ll need to add a bit more liquid and extend the simmering time—about 40 minutes or so. The dish will have a slightly earthier taste but is every bit as hearty and flavorful.
What is the best sausage for this recipe?
Classic smoked sausage or andouille is my top pick for authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or another smoked link will do the trick in a pinch. For extra heat, go with a spicy variety!
How can I make it vegetarian?
Make the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe meatless by swapping in your favorite plant-based sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Loaded with veggies and spices, it’s still bursting with awesome Cajun flavor.
Can I add other proteins?
Definitely! Stir in some cooked shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking, or add shredded rotisserie chicken with the broth and tomatoes. This recipe is super adaptable to whatever proteins you love.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The base version has just the right kick—flavorful, but not tongue-scorching. You control the heat by choosing mild or spicy sausage and adding hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
Final Thoughts
Bring some Louisiana flair to your table with this vibrant Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe! It’s quick, totally customizable, and packed with flavors that turn any night into a celebration. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for both weeknight dinners and sharing with friends. Give it a try and let this skillet dish wow you!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines smoked sausage, vegetables, rice, and Cajun seasonings for a delicious dinner option.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- hot sauce (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to coat the rice with the spices. Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or use spicy andouille sausage.
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and cook time accordingly.
- This dish also works well with leftover chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
