Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to make something truly satisfying. With smoky, savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, aromatic onion and garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice, this one-pan meal delivers a punch of bold flavor in every bite. It’s quick, hearty, and incredibly versatile—exactly the kind of recipe you want in your weeknight dinner rotation.
The magic here comes from the Cajun seasoning, a blend of spices that infuses the dish with warmth, smokiness, and just the right amount of heat. When combined with the rich, juicy slices of sausage and the comforting texture of tender rice, you get a meal that feels both cozy and exciting. The whole dish cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your dinner.
This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you still want something homemade but don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, well-balanced dinner on the table that will satisfy the whole family. It’s also a great option for meal prep since it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Less mess, less cleanup, and everything cooks together for maximum flavor.
- Bold, smoky flavor: Cajun seasoning and smoked sausage bring deep, robust taste to every bite.
- Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
- Perfect for meal prep: Tastes just as good the next day.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
- Green onions, optional, for garnish
- Hot sauce, optional, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the veggies
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Toast the rice
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and vegetable mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly fragrant.
Step 5: Cook the rice
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Step 6: Combine and finish
Once the rice is cooked, return the sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Sausage choice: Andouille sausage gives the most authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or even chorizo works well.
- Rice type: Long-grain white rice keeps the texture fluffy, but you can use brown rice—just adjust cooking time and liquid.
- Make it spicier: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add veggies: Corn, zucchini, or celery blend beautifully with the Cajun flavors.
- Protein swap: Use shrimp, chicken, or a plant-based sausage alternative for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with sides. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to lighten the meal or cornbread to soak up any extra juices. For a full Southern-inspired spread, add coleslaw or sautéed greens.
If you’re entertaining, serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. A pitcher of iced tea or a light beer makes a refreshing drink pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
For freezing, portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Health Benefits
While this recipe is on the indulgent side with smoked sausage, it still offers nutritional value. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while garlic and onions provide immune-boosting compounds. Using a lower-sodium broth and seasoning mix can make this dish heart-friendlier, and swapping to brown rice adds more fiber and minerals.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a true weeknight hero—quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful veggies create a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for busy evenings but flavorful enough to share with friends and family.
Whether you stick to the recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this skillet dinner will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s worth keeping Cajun seasoning and smoked sausage on hand at all times.
The Goods
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
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Recipes
- 12 oz smoked sausage such as Andouille or Kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion yellow or white, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- Green onions optional, for garnish
- Hot sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the veggies
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Toast the rice
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and vegetable mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly fragrant.
Step 5: Cook the rice
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Step 6: Combine and finish
- Once the rice is cooked, return the sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
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