Description
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a bold, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with smoky sausage, bell peppers, and Cajun spices, it’s an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage & Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Season & Toast the Rice
6. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, and dried thyme over the vegetables, stirring to coat.
7. Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir well to toast slightly, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Simmer
8. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
9. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
11. Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in chopped green onions.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, chicken, or turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra Heat: Add cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Keywords: Cajun sausage and rice, one-pan dinner, easy skillet meal, spicy rice dish, quick weeknight recipe