Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet | Easy One-Pan Dinner

Weeknights call for quick comfort, and this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet delivers. It fills the kitchen with smoky spice and bold color while coming together in just one pan. The sausage sizzles, the peppers soften, and the rice soaks up every bit of savory broth. Dinner feels hearty, homemade, and ready before the day’s tiredness sets in.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This recipe hits that sweet spot between comfort and convenience. It cooks in 30 minutes, uses simple pantry staples, and fills your kitchen with rich Cajun aromas. The sausage gives deep, smoky flavor while the rice and peppers balance everything with warmth and color. You’ll love how easily this comes together, and how flexible it is spicy or mild, sausage or chicken, even vegetarian if you like. It’s a true weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Smoked sausage: Andouille adds that signature Cajun heat; kielbasa works too for milder flavor.
• Long-grain white rice: Rinse well for fluffier, separate grains.
• Red and green bell peppers: Sweet and crisp, they bring color and freshness.
• Onion and garlic: The base for any good skillet, full of depth and aroma.
• Cajun seasoning: Choose your spice level or make your own for full control.
• Chicken broth: Gives richness and ensures perfectly tender rice.
• Olive oil: Just enough to sear sausage and sauté veggies.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
• Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley, green onions, or a splash of hot sauce to finish.

You can easily swap the sausage for shrimp, chicken, or even plant-based sausage. For a fiber boost, use brown rice or quinoa instead.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This helps the grains stay light and fluffy later.

Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 5–7 minutes until they’re browned and crisp at the edges. Remove them to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Stir often and let them soften for about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, just until fragrant.

Toast the Rice

Stir in the rinsed rice and let it toast for about 2 minutes. You’ll hear a light crackle and smell a warm, nutty aroma that’s when it’s ready.

Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir gently to mix everything, then bring to a light boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid over-stirring to keep the rice from becoming mushy.

Finish and Combine

Add the browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3–5 minutes until heated through and the flavors blend beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with parsley, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, a fresh salad, or steamed broccoli on the side.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Skillet

Rinse your rice well before cooking for the best texture. Avoid stirring too often while it simmers so it doesn’t turn sticky. If you like extra heat, add cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce. For milder flavor, use a sweeter sausage or reduce the Cajun seasoning. Leftovers stay fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of broth to bring back the moisture and flavor.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Serve this skillet with cornbread or collard greens for a Southern-style feast. You can swap sausage for shrimp or chicken, or make it vegetarian by loading up on zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Add-ins like okra or diced tomatoes can boost the Cajun flavor even more. For a lighter twist, try pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables or make it part of your weekly meal prep rotation.

More Such Recipes

• Greek chicken and lemon rice for a Mediterranean dinner twist
• Oven baked chicken thighs for an easy one-pan dinner
• Brown sugar garlic chicken for a sweet and savory weeknight meal
• Chicken and vegetables skillet for a healthy and quick dinner
• Cheesy mozzarella chicken bake for a hearty dinner idea
• Crock pot bourbon chicken for a flavorful slow-cooked meal
• Country fried chicken recipe for classic Southern comfort food

Conclusion

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is proof that big flavor doesn’t need big effort. It’s smoky, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, all in one pan and ready in half an hour. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or quick weekday meal, this dish will bring warmth and flavor to your table again and again. For more ideas, check out our latest recipes on Pinterest or join the community on Facebook.

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