If you’re craving a one-pan wonder that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, you’re in for a treat with this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. It perfectly combines spicy Cajun sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tender rice simmered together in a flavorful broth. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also quick to make, delivering a hearty meal with a wonderful depth of smoky, spicy, and savory notes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this skillet meal brings the taste of Cajun country right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a breeze. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the spicy sausage to the colorful bell peppers and fragrant herbs. Together, they ensure every bite is perfectly balanced and full of life.
- 1 pound Cajun sausage: Provides the spicy, smoky base flavor that defines the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed with the sausage.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings a slight sweetness and vibrant color to the skillet.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the red pepper’s sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Acts as a fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Keeps the rice tender and adds rich savory notes.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Introduces subtle acidity and moisture to balance the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: The secret spice blend that layers heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal hint that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the seasoning.
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish: Provides a fresh, crisp finish with a mild onion bite.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in your Cajun sausage and let it brown beautifully, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This browning step is essential because it enhances the sausage’s smoky flavor and creates a delicious foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped onion along with the red and green bell peppers right into the skillet. Stir everything occasionally and cook for about five minutes. You want those veggies to soften just enough to release their natural sweetness and aroma without losing their delightful texture and punch of color.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Toast the Rice
Mix in the minced garlic and let it cook for one minute to awaken its fragrant oils. Then, stir in the long-grain white rice. Toasting the rice for two minutes in the skillet with all those savory ingredients helps to bring out a nutty flavor and ensures it cooks up perfectly tender later.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, including those juicy bits. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then give everything a good stir. This mixture is the heart of the dish, soaking into the rice and sausage to infuse every bite with layered flavor and just the right amount of kick.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the skillet to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low and cover it with a lid. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and nearly all the liquid has been absorbed. This slow simmer allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the rice to swell perfectly fluffy with those vibrant seasonings.
Step 6: Final Rest and Garnish
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for five minutes. This resting time lets everything settle and gives the flavors a chance to meld even deeper. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions are the classic finish, you can also add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist. A dollop of sour cream or a bit of shredded cheddar cheese can bring in some creamy richness if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Cornbread, either sweet or savory, also makes a fantastic accompaniment, perfectly soaking up any extra sauce from the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes. You could even use the sausage and rice mixture in wraps or tortillas for a portable Cajun-inspired lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a fuss-free next-day dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn, and it should keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to help restore that tender texture and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cajun sausage gives this recipe its signature spicy kick, you can substitute with Andouille, smoked sausage, or even a milder sausage if you prefer less heat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this skillet?
Yes, you can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth nicely. However, you can try brown rice, though it will require a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid.
How spicy is the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
The spiciness level depends on your sausage choice and how much Cajun seasoning you add. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less seasoning and adjust to taste once the dish is finished.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While it’s designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker by browning the sausage and vegetables first, then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 2-3 hours until the rice is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make yet packed with bold, satisfying flavors that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a fantastic way to bring a little southern spice into your weeknight routine, so don’t wait to give it a try and share the deliciousness with your loved ones!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This flavorful Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe combines spicy Cajun sausage with colorful bell peppers, onions, and seasoned rice in a one-pan meal. Bursting with bold Cajun seasoning and aromatic herbs, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Cajun sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Brown the sausage: Add the Cajun sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula for even cooking.
- Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet to cook with the sausage.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb flavors.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Combine ingredients: Stir everything well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to gently simmer.
- Cover and cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat: Once the rice is tender, take the skillet off the heat.
- Rest: Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining moisture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet hot and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the Cajun sausage and seasonings are gluten-free.
- Adding chopped fresh parsley or cilantro as a garnish can add a fresh herbal note.
