Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe Introduction to Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Bring bold, spicy flavors to your dinner table with this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet—a quick, one-pan meal packed with smoky sausage, vibrant Cajun spices, and tender rice all cooked together to perfection. This dish combines simplicity and heartiness, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the fuss. The perfect balance of spice, savory sausage, and fluffy rice means every bite is bursting with flavor, satisfying your cravings and warming you up in no time. Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Bold Cajun Seasoning: A spicy, smoky blend that wakes up your taste buds. One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in a single skillet. Hearty and Filling: Protein-packed sausage paired with fluffy, seasoned rice. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings. Versatile Add-Ins: Toss in bell peppers, onions, or even greens for extra nutrition. Family-Friendly: Adjustable spice level to suit all tastes. Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well as leftovers for lunches or dinners later in the week. Comfort Food Classic: A Southern-inspired dish that feels like a warm hug. Ingredients for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Bold Cajun seasoning coats tender sausage and fluffy rice in this skillet dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need: Olive oil: This is your base for sautéing, adding richness and flavor. Smoked sausage: Andouille or kielbasa works best, bringing that smoky depth to the dish. Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and a savory foundation to the skillet. Bell pepper: Any color will do! It adds crunch and a pop of color. Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma that’s hard to resist. Long-grain white rice: This is the heart of the dish, soaking up all the flavors. Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and a tangy kick. Chicken broth: This enhances the flavor of the rice and ties everything together. Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature kick. Dried oregano: This herb adds a subtle earthiness to balance the spices. Black pepper: A dash of black pepper for a little heat. Frozen peas: These add a burst of color and nutrition at the end. Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they add freshness and a mild onion flavor. For those looking to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for extra heat. If you prefer a gluten-free option, quinoa can be substituted for rice, or you can use brown rice for added fiber—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing! How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in just 40 minutes! Step 1: Sauté the Sausage Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial; browning the sausage develops rich flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Step 2: Add Vegetables Next, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir them into the skillet and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and become fragrant. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely texture to your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet. Step 3: Incorporate Garlic Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for about a minute. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible! Garlic adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sausage and veggies. Step 4: Combine Rice and Liquids Time to bring it all together! Add the long-grain white rice, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and all the flavors meld together. Step 5: Simmer Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The rice will absorb the liquid and flavors. Check for doneness by tasting a few grains; they should be tender but not mushy. Step 6: Add Peas After the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered. This step not only adds a pop of color but also boosts the nutrition of your dish. Plus, who doesn’t love a little green on their plate? Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Now, dig in and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet! Tips for Success Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. It makes the process smoother. Don’t skip browning the sausage; it adds essential flavor. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste for a milder or spicier dish. Let the skillet sit for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor integration. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Equipment Needed Large skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking. Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet. Measuring cups: Essential for accurate ingredient portions. Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping veggies. Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes prep a breeze. Variations Spicy Cajun Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free meal. Quinoa Alternative: Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free and protein-packed version. Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish. Serving Suggestions Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the skillet. Cold Beer: Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect meal. Presentation: Garnish with extra green onions and serve in colorful bowls for a vibrant look. FAQs about Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! While Andouille and kielbasa are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite smoked sausage. Chicken sausage or even turkey sausage can work well, too, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. How can I make this dish spicier? If you’re looking to turn up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the sausage. You can also increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Can I make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet ahead of time? Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. For a gluten-free grain, substitute rice with quinoa. What can I serve with Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet? This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some crusty bread. A cold beer or iced tea makes for a refreshing drink to complement the meal. Final Thoughts Cooking the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy in your kitchen. The vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and rich flavors come together to make a dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, each bite is a reminder of the comfort that good food brings. Plus, the ease of this one-pan recipe means you can savor the experience without the stress. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the flavors, and let this dish become a staple in your culinary repertoire! Print Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet: Easy and Delicious Recipe Print Recipe 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews A flavorful and easy-to-make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet dish that combines smoked sausage, rice, and vegetables in a single pan. Author: Isabella Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Yield: 4 servings 1x Category: Main Course Method: Skillet Cuisine: Cajun Diet: Gluten Free Ingredients Scale 1x2x3x 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (such as Andouille or kielbasa) 1 medium onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup long-grain white rice 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 2 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup frozen peas 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, until heated through. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions. Notes For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when cooking the sausage. Substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option or use brown rice for added fiber; adjust cooking time as needed. Nutrition Serving Size: 1 serving Calories: 450 Sugar: 3g Sodium: 800mg Fat: 24g Saturated Fat: 8g Unsaturated Fat: 16g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 38g Fiber: 2g Protein: 20g Cholesterol: 70mg