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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying warmth, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. With tender, smoky Andouille sausage mingling perfectly with vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one pan, it’s a comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re new to Cajun cooking or a seasoned fan, this recipe offers a brilliant balance of spice and heartiness that’s straightforward to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the spicy kick of Andouille sausage to the smoky paprika and fire roasted tomatoes that give the dish its depth and vibrant color.
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage: Sliced for quick browning and smoky personality that’s essential to Cajun cuisine.
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Helps brown the sausage to develop rich flavor and prevents sticking.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Adds a sweet crunch and natural color contrast against the spicy ingredients.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Provides a warm smokiness that elevates every bite.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note to balance the bold flavors.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle floral tone that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering the other spices.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Gives a mild sweetness that rounds out the spice blend.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Delivers a gentle kick of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a hint of sharpness for complexity.
- 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Imparts a smoky, tangy base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The perfect grain to soak up the bold flavors and keep the texture light.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation for cooking the rice to fluffy perfection.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Added fresh at the end for a bright, mild onion flavor and pop of green color.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by slicing the Andouille sausage into pieces about a quarter to half an inch thick. Heat your deep skillet or Dutch oven with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat, then add the sausage slices. Let them brown nicely; that caramelized layer stuck to the pan is pure flavor gold. Taking the time here ensures your dish will have that unmistakable smoky richness.
Step 2: Add the Bell Pepper
While your sausage is sizzling, dice the bell pepper. Once the sausage has developed a beautiful browned crust, toss the peppers into the skillet. Sauté them together for about a minute until the peppers start to soften, releasing their subtle sweetness which will balance the spices ahead.
Step 3: Add Spices
Now it’s spice time! Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a good stir and let those aromatic spices toast for another minute—this step really unlocks their full, savory potential.
Step 4: Add Rice, Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with all their smoky juices, then add the long grain rice and chicken broth. Stir everything together well, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Those bits will infuse your rice with even more deep, respectful Cajun flavor.
Step 5: Simmer the Skillet
Cover your skillet with a lid and crank the heat to medium-high until the mixture reaches a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek during this time to keep a perfect texture on your rice and allow all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and keep the lid on while letting it rest for 5 minutes. This final rest period lets the rice absorb any remaining liquid and fluff up perfectly. When ready, fold the sausage and rice gently together, and sprinkle with fresh green onions for that last touch of brightness.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe, add a few fresh garnishes. Freshly sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or even a squeeze of lime juice can add vibrant color and a refreshing contrast. A dollop of creamy sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese also works beautifully if you want an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This skillet is robust enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complements it wonderfully. Cornbread or warm crusty bread can also be fantastic to sop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe in individual cast iron skillets for each guest or plate it over a bed of greens for a slightly lighter presentation. You can even turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or a hearty stuffed baked potato for an exciting second meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead for a busy week, freezing is your friend. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your skillet leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry. Stir occasionally to rewarm evenly and keep that lovely, moist texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Andouille is traditional and gives that distinctive Cajun flavor, but feel free to swap with kielbasa, chorizo, or even a smoked sausage you like. Just remember the flavor profile might change slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick thanks to the cayenne pepper and spices, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can always adjust the cayenne amount up or down depending on your heat preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your sausage and broth ingredients are gluten-free. Most plain chicken broths and Andouille sausages should be safe, but always verify the labels.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal here because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without getting mushy. You might experiment with brown rice, but it will require longer cooking and more liquid adjustments.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to keep everything cooking evenly. The timing remains roughly the same, but you might want to check the rice towards the end just to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly special. It’s warm, vibrant, and packed with flavor in a way that makes you want to share it with everyone you know. Give it a try—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one helping!
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Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring smoky Andouille sausage, sautéed bell peppers, a blend of aromatic Cajun spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender white rice cooked together in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, the dish offers bold and comforting Southern flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼–½ inch thick pieces
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into ¼-½ inch thick pieces. Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and sauté until well browned, allowing some browning on the bottom of the skillet to develop for additional flavor.
- Add the Bell Pepper: While the sausage browns, dice the bell pepper. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until the pepper begins to soften.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper over the sausage and pepper mixture. Stir well and sauté for another minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
- Add Rice, Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Simmer the Skillet: Cover the skillet with a lid and increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and keep the lid on, allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes. After resting, remove the lid and gently fold the sausage and rice to combine evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or smoked sausage can be substituted if necessary.
- Do not open the lid while the rice simmers to ensure proper cooking and fluffy texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level.
- For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or extra cayenne after cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
