Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and comes together in just one pan, you’re going to love this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that masterfully combines spicy Andouille sausage, smoky paprika, and fire-roasted tomatoes, all simmered with tender rice to soak up every bit of that delicious seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a taste of Cajun-inspired goodness without fuss, this skillet recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the vibrant colors, rich texture, and irresistible flavors that make this dish shine. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful skillet meal.

• 14 oz. Andouille sausage: Adds spicy, smoky flavor and hearty protein to the dish.
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Helps brown the sausage perfectly and prevents sticking.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a deep, smoky aroma that’s quintessentially Cajun.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note for depth.
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Enhances the savory undertones with fragrant warmth.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Boosts aroma and gives subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering.
• 1/4 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic, rounding out the seasoning.
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Provides just the right amount of heat to keep things lively.
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a final kick of spice and freshness.
• 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Provides a smoky, tangy base that melds everything together.
• 1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs all the great flavors and adds fulfilling substance.
• 1.5 cups chicken broth: Creates the perfect cooking liquid to keep rice tender and seasoned.
• 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and crunch at the end.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by slicing the Andouille sausage into pieces about a quarter to a half inch thick. Heat the cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté them until they’re beautifully browned. Those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan are exactly what we want because they add mouthwatering depth to the entire dish.

Step 2: Add the Bell Pepper

While the sausage is browning, dice your bell pepper into small, even pieces. Once the sausage turns a rich brown, toss the bell pepper into the pan and sauté for about a minute just until it starts to soften. This keeps the pepper tender-crisp so it holds its fresh, sweet flavor.

Step 3: Add Spices

Now is the moment to bring in the Cajun magic. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything well and sauté these spices with the meat and veggies for another minute. Toasting these herbs and spices unlocks the hidden flavor layers that fill the entire dish with warmth and complexity.

Step 4: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth

Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the long grain white rice, and the chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Be sure to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to reincorporate all that intense flavor right back into the mix.

Step 5: Simmer the Skillet

Cover your skillet with a lid and turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the ingredients to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer gently for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time—keeping the steam trapped ensures perfectly tender, fluffy rice that’s soaked with all those incredible spices.

Step 6: Rest and Finish

After simmering, remove the skillet from heat but keep the lid on, allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes. This final step lets the rice finish cooking to the ideal texture and lets all the flavors marry beautifully. When ready to serve, remove the lid, gently fold everything together, and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh touch.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Adding bright, fresh garnishes like sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the richness of the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. These little touches bring a lift of color and a burst of freshness that perfectly balance the smoky, spicy flavor.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want to round it out, think about serving it alongside simple leafy greens like a crisp mixed salad or roasted vegetables. Cornbread or crusty French bread also pairs beautifully, soaking up every savory bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets to keep the warmth going right at the table. You can also top each serving with a fried egg or a dollop of creamy avocado for extra indulgence. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or hot sauce allows guests to customize their plates just how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe again without extra cooking.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well for longer storage. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, to warm it evenly without drying out the sausage or rice.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Andouille sausage is traditional and gives the dish a distinctive smoky spice, you can use other smoked sausages or even chorizo if you want to experiment. Just adjust the seasoning slightly based on the sausage’s flavor profile.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe has a moderate amount of heat mainly from the cayenne pepper and Andouille sausage. If you prefer it milder, reduce the cayenne or opt for a milder sausage. For more kick, feel free to add extra cayenne or hot sauce to taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can definitely adapt it! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or heartier vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and be sure to add a bit more smoked paprika to keep that signature smoky flavor.

What kind of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is ideal here because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors beautifully without getting mushy. If you want to use brown rice, be aware it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, doubling works well, but make sure your skillet or pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the rice cooks thoroughly by stirring and checking for doneness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a warm, comforting skillet full of spicy sausage, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked rice after a busy day. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe brings all those satisfying elements together in a delightfully simple package that will quickly become a family favorite. Once you try it, you’ll see just how easy it is to infuse your kitchen with irresistible Cajun flavor any night of the week. So grab your skillet and get cooking – your taste buds are in for a treat!

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring hearty Andouille sausage, aromatic spices, and tender rice simmered together with fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a comforting Southern-inspired dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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Sausage and Oil

• 14 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼–½ inch thick pieces
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced

Spices

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Other Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into ¼-½ inch thick pieces. Heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until well browned, allowing browned bits to form on the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
2. Add the Bell Pepper: While the sausage browns, dice the bell pepper. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until it begins to soften.
3. Add Spices: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper over the sausage and bell pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
4. Add Rice, Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all flavors.
5. Simmer the Skillet: Cover the skillet with a lid and increase heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure the rice cooks perfectly.
6. Rest and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered to rest for 5 minutes. After resting, remove the lid and gently fold the sausage and rice together to evenly distribute the ingredients. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

• Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering to prevent steam from escaping and ensure perfectly cooked rice.
• For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
• Feel free to substitute the Andouille sausage with another smoked sausage if preferred.
• This dish can be served with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun