If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s packed with spicy Cajun flavors, savory sausage, and tender rice, making it a comforting, easy-to-make one-pan wonder that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping dinner for one, this dish is versatile and customizable to suit your preferences.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, provide tips for making it even better, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of this delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
This recipe is a win for many reasons:
Quick and Easy: You can have this flavorful meal on the table in under 45 minutes.
One-Pan Cooking: Fewer dishes to clean up after dinner! Everything cooks in one skillet.
Customizable: You can adjust the heat level to your liking and add vegetables or extra spices to enhance the flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Sausage is an affordable protein, and the dish uses pantry staples like rice, spices, and broth.
Comfort Food: It’s a filling meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
Sausage: Use your favorite sausage. Andouille sausage adds a smoky kick, but any type of smoked sausage works well.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice if you prefer a healthier version.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and celery provide essential flavor and texture. These ingredients are part of the Cajun “holy trinity” of vegetables.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the backbone of the flavor profile. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and garlic powder.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the rice.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Follow these easy steps to make your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet:
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Slice your sausage into rounds and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned on both sides. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped bell peppers, onions, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the rice, allowing it to toast for about 2 minutes in the vegetable mixture. Add the Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the rice and vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Return the Sausage to the Skillet
Once the rice is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet, stirring everything together. Cover and let the sausage heat through for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet hot, and enjoy the bold, smoky flavors!
Tips for the Best Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, feel free to add more cayenne or some chopped jalapeños.
Add Vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables to this dish, like diced tomatoes, okra, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the onions and bell peppers.
Make It with Brown Rice: Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice if you want a healthier version of this dish. Keep in mind that brown rice requires more cooking time, so you may need to add additional broth and cook for longer.
Use Different Sausages: While andouille sausage is typical in Cajun dishes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage or kielbasa. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked for ease.
Meal Prep: This dish makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Check out: Quick Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet contains:
Calories: 450
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to add extra broth and adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice cooks through.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! If you like your food spicy, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more cayenne pepper. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
3. What kind of sausage is best for this dish?
Andouille sausage is commonly used in Cajun dishes for its smoky flavor, but you can use any pre-cooked sausage you like. Kielbasa, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage work well.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini, okra, or tomatoes to the skillet. These will not only enhance the flavor but also add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage or beans like black beans or kidney beans as the protein. You can also add more vegetables or tofu for added texture.
6. Can I freeze this meal for later?
Yes, Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet freezes well. After it has cooled, store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the skillet or microwave.
Conclusion
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and packed with bold flavors. It’s a complete meal in one pan, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Read more: Quick Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pan, flavorful dish packed with smoky sausage, Cajun seasonings, and tender rice. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish. The rich and spicy flavors make it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb Andouille sausage (or your favorite smoked sausage), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Rice:
- Stir in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Skillet:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Once the rice is done, return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the sausage through.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like celery or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the skillet.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Cajun, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: Cajun Sausage Skillet, Sausage and Rice, One-Pan Dinner, Cajun Rice Skillet, Easy Cajun Recipe