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Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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