Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and comforting one-pan meals, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of smoky Andouille sausage, tender rice, and a medley of spices that pack a punch in every bite. This dish is a warm hug in a bowl, bringing together just the right amount of heat, heartiness, and a touch of sweetness from fire roasted tomatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding friends, the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe always delivers satisfying, soul-warming comfort with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, readily available ingredients that each bring something unique to the flavor and texture profile. From the spicy sausage to the fragrant herbs and perfectly cooked rice, every component plays a vital role.

• 14 oz. Andouille sausage: This smoky, spicy sausage forms the flavor backbone of the dish.
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Helps to brown the sausage beautifully without sticking.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and crunch to balance the spices.
• 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild onion flavor and a bright garnish.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness with a subtle sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note to deepen the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Offers a slightly minty, woodsy undertone.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Provides savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
• 1/4 tsp onion powder: Complementary mild onion essence to round out the spices.
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Brings just the right kick of heat.
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle sharpness and complexity.
• 1 15 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds tanginess and vibrant color.
• 1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs flavors beautifully and keeps the texture fluffy.
• 1.5 cups chicken broth: Provides savory richness and moisture essential for tender rice.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by slicing the Andouille sausage into quarter to half-inch thick rounds. Heat your cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the sausage slices. Cook until each piece gets a gorgeous brown crust. Those browned bits sticking to the pan aren’t just for show—they’re packed with flavor and will add depth to the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

While the sausage is sizzling, dice your bell pepper. Toss it into the skillet with the browned sausage and cook for just about one minute or until it softens slightly. This step brings out a subtle sweetness and keeps the pepper tender yet vibrant—an excellent counterpoint to the smoky sausage.

Step 3: Add and Toast the Spices

Now sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together and sauté the spices for about one minute. This toasting step releases the essential oils from the spices, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma and building complex layers of flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth

Pour in your fire roasted diced tomatoes, rice, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine, making sure to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are little flavor bombs that infuse the rice with smokiness and richness, ensuring every forkful is bursting with taste.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to soak in all the savory broth and spices, cooking to tender perfection while melding all the flavors seamlessly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for 5 minutes—this extra time helps the rice firm up slightly and ensures even distribution of moisture. After resting, gently fold the sausage and rice to combine evenly, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving warm.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sliced thinly bring a pop of color and subtle onion crunch that breathes life into the dish. For an extra touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lime juice can elevate the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This skillet recipe is quite filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple side salads like a crisp coleslaw or a light cucumber salad. Garlic bread or crusty French bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment to soak up all the delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe over a bed of wilted greens or in large lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It also works beautifully scooped into warm flour tortillas topped with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese for a comforting Cajun-inspired wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days and the flavors often taste even better the next day after having time to meld fully.

Freezing

You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve texture and flavor. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave covered in short intervals, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and keep that satisfying softness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Andouille sausage gives this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe its signature smoky spiciness, you can substitute with smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preferences.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a moderate level of heat thanks to the cayenne and spicy sausage, but it’s very customizable. You can reduce or increase the cayenne pepper to suit your desired spice level without losing flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but the cooking time will be longer and you may need extra broth. Brown rice usually takes about 40-45 minutes to soften, so adjust simmering time accordingly.

What can I use if I don’t have fire roasted tomatoes?

Regular canned diced tomatoes will work fine. Fire roasted tomatoes just add an extra smoky depth, but the dish will still taste great without them.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the sausage label to confirm there are no fillers containing gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is truly one of those meals that brings people together around the table, whether it’s an everyday dinner or a casual get-together. It’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors yet super straightforward to make, which makes it a win-win in my book. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe to satisfy those cravings for something hearty and full of personality!

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4 from 41 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe combines smoky and spicy Andouille sausage with flavorful spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender rice for a hearty one-pan meal. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, capturing the essence of Cajun cuisine with a simple stovetop cooking method.

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Ingredients

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Sausage and Vegetables

• 14 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced ¼ to ½ inch thick
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Spices

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until well browned, allowing the browned bits to form on the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
2. Sauté Bell Pepper: While the sausage cooks, dice the bell pepper. Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet with the browned sausage and sauté for about one additional minute to soften the pepper.
3. Add and Toast Spices: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper into the skillet. Stir and sauté the spices for one minute to toast them and release their aromatic flavors.
4. Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth: Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the cup of long grain white rice, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together well and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to infuse extra flavor.
5. Simmer: 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, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking. After resting, uncover the skillet and gently fold the sausage and rice together to redistribute evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

• Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to ensure enough space for sautéing and simmering.
• Allowing the sausage to brown well is key to building flavor through caramelization.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Resting the dish after cooking allows the rice to fully absorb flavors and improves texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun