Name: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: Smoked Sausage: 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds Long-Grain Rice: 1 cup, rinsed Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon Vegetables: 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced Broth and Canned Tomatoes: 2 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained Seasonings: 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; salt and pepper to taste Garnish: 2 green onions, sliced; fresh parsley

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If you’re searching for a bold, soul-warming dinner that comes together in under an hour, look no further than this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. This dish packs smoky sausage, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice into one irresistible skillet, all tied together with a punchy Cajun spice blend. It’s comfort food at its finest—cozy, lively, and so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to one-pan wonder!

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity and harmony of each ingredient. Every component plays a role: bringing heat, smokiness, fresh crunch, or vibrant color to the skillet. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Smoked Sausage: Adds deep, savory flavor and a little bit of fat that seeps into the rice for richness—Andouille is classic, but any smoked sausage will shine.
Long-Grain Rice: Rinsed for a fluffy bite, it soaks up all those aromatic juices and spices without turning mushy.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and sauté the veggies, giving the base that essential golden flavor.
Onion: Brings sweetness and body to the skillet, forming a classic Cajun “holy trinity.”
Green Bell Pepper: Infuses freshness and a pop of color, balancing the spices.
Celery: Adds crunch and depth, rounding out the vegetable trio for true southern character.
Garlic: For a shot of aromatics that perks up the whole dish—never skip it!
Chicken Broth: Gives the rice plenty of flavor as it simmers and fluffs, creating a savory, cohesive dish.
Diced Tomatoes (drained): Lends tangy juiciness and subtle acidity, plus that signature red hue.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the heart of the dish—spicy, smoky, and full of bayou attitude.
Smoked Paprika: Dials up the smoky undertones and amplifies the sausage’s flavor.
Dried Thyme: Adds gentle earthiness and a classic southern herbal note.
Salt and Pepper: For balance—season to taste depending on your sausage and broth.
Green Onions: Sprinkle over the top for freshness and a little bite before serving.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the finished dish and adds color.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned on both sides—don’t rush this part! Browning is where the flavor magic begins. Once browned, set the sausage aside, keeping as much of those tasty drippings in the skillet as possible.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add your onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for a few minutes until the veggies soften and start smelling irresistible. Stir in the garlic and cook another minute—your kitchen will smell incredible.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Now’s the moment to sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Give everything a good toss so the veggies are evenly coated and the spices bloom in the hot oil. This step unlocks so much flavor.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed long-grain rice to the skillet. Toasting the rice for just a minute or two takes the finished dish from good to truly great, infusing each grain with all those aromas and preventing sogginess later on.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Simmer and Steam

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth and flavors, while the sausage infuses the entire dish. Check that the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed before you move on.

Step 7: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish

Take the skillet off the heat and let it rest, covered, for five minutes. This lets the rice finish steaming. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Pile on sliced green onions and plenty of fresh parsley for a vivid, mouthwatering finish.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can make this skillet extra special! A sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh parsley gives freshness and color, while an extra shake of Cajun seasoning or a drizzle of hot sauce will wake up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet is easily a full meal, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad, a hunk of cornbread, or even sautéed greens for a southern feast. Some folks love a slice of toasted French bread to soak up every last spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into shallow bowls to showcase all the textures, or spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake for a fun, edible serving vessel. For parties, try mini servings in ramekins lined up family-style—everyone gets their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. The flavors even deepen by day two, making lunch a treat.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy weeknight meals.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet or microwave dish and cover to keep the rice moist. Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille is traditional and brings a lot of character to the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe, but kielbasa, chorizo, or any smoked sausage will taste fabulous here.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can DIY a quick blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat to your liking—it’s the spirit of Cajun cooking!

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a natural warmth from the Cajun seasoning, but you can control the heat. For a milder skillet, use a mild sausage and cut back on the hot spices. To bring the fire, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.

Can I make this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the sausage with a plant-based smoked sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.

What type Main Course

Long-grain white rice is perfect—it stays fluffy and soaks up the flavors. Short-grain varieties tend to clump, and brown rice will need a longer cooking time and extra broth.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe, you’ll want to keep it on repeat. It brings the best of the bayou to your own stovetop, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—let me know how yours turns out!

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines smoked sausage, vegetables, rice, and Cajun seasonings for a satisfying Southern dish.

Ingredients

Smoked Sausage:

12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

Long-Grain Rice:

1 cup, rinsed

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Vegetables:

1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Canned Tomatoes:

2 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

2 green onions, sliced; fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Brown the smoked sausage on both sides, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Add Rice and Liquid: Add rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Return sausage to the skillet.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with green onions and parsley, and serve hot.