Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a bold, hearty, and satisfying one-pan dish that delivers the rich flavors of Louisiana cuisine. Smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in a spicy, savory blend that’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
• Packed with bold Cajun flavor
• Hearty and satisfying—perfect for family dinners
• Quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Andouille sausage or any smoked sausage
• Olive oil
• Green bell pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• Dried oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Diced tomatoes (canned, undrained)
• Chicken broth
• Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• Scallions for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers and onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning, oregano, and paprika. Mix until the vegetables are well coated.
4. Combine and simmer: Return sausage to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and uncooked rice. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer covered: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Rest and serve: Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with scallions before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Swap the sausage: Try turkey sausage, chorizo, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
• Add protein: Include shrimp or chicken along with sausage.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and substitute vegetable broth.
• Change the rice: Brown rice can be used, but extend the cooking time and add more broth.
• More veggies: Add celery, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of sausage should I use?

Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy flavor, but any smoked sausage works well.

Can I make this with brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add more liquid.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a medium heat level from the Cajun seasoning and sausage. Adjust to your spice preference.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, reduce the broth and add the rice toward the end of cooking just to heat through.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Bell peppers, onions, celery, and zucchini are all great choices.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet and adjust cook times slightly.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use a mild sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning, or choose a low-sodium, mild blend.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, you can chop all the vegetables and slice the sausage in advance to save time.

What can I serve this with?

It’s a complete meal on its own but also pairs well with cornbread or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple yet flavorful one-pan dinner that brings a taste of Southern comfort to your table. With just the right balance of spice, hearty ingredients, and easy prep, it’s a weeknight winner you’ll make again and again.

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