Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. With smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual dinners packed with bold Cajun spices.

Ingredients

• 12 oz Smoked Sausage such as Andouille or Kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to smell fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Once the rice is cooked, add the sausage back to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage like Andouille for authentic Cajun flavor or substitute with Kielbasa if preferred.
• For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeño or extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
• If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute sausage with smoked tempeh or a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Try using brown rice, but increase the simmering time and liquid according to package instructions.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

Instant rice is not recommended because it requires different cooking times and methods. Using long-grain white rice ensures the best texture and flavor in this skillet dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and sausage. Always check labels to be certain if you have gluten sensitivities.

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring smoky andouille or kielbasa sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked long-grain rice infused with spicy Cajun seasoning. Quick to prepare and packed with southern-style bold flavors, this dish makes a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun, Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage

• 12 oz Smoked Sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds

Vegetables

• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 medium Onion (yellow or white), diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

Grains & Liquids

• 1 cup Long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth

Seasonings & Garnishes

• 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Green Onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Hot Sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the red and green bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they brown and develop crispy edges. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the rendered sausage oil, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir well to combine. Toast the rice for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant.
5. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, stirring well to mix all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished optionally with chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce for added heat and flavor.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice helps prevent it from becoming overly sticky.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra hot sauce when serving.
• Feel free to substitute smoked sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water with bouillon can be used instead.
• For a gluten-free meal, ensure the Cajun seasoning and sausage are gluten-free certified.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in a microwave.

Keywords: Cajun sausage, rice skillet, Andouille sausage recipe, easy one-pan meal, Cajun seasoning, smoked sausage and rice, dinner skillet, spicy sausage rice