If you’re craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and is as comforting as a warm hug, you’re going to love this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s the perfect one-pan wonder blending smoky Andouille sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of spices all simmered with tender rice and fire-roasted tomatoes. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Cajun spices, making every dinner feel like a special occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight feast or a casual get-together, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and full of personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are beautifully simple yet pack a punch in the flavor department. Each one plays an essential role, from the smoky Andouille sausage that brings depth, to the bell pepper adding a fresh crunch and color, all balanced by a blend of spices that give the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe its signature kick.
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage: Adds a spicy, smoky flavor with a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Essential for browning the sausage to develop rich flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Provides a sweet, crunchy contrast and vibrant color.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note to round out the spice mix.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Offers earthiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic aroma without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness and savory background.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Delivers just the right amount of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a sharp bite for balance.
- 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Contributes smoky, rich tomato flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The hearty base that soaks up all those incredible flavors.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth: Creates a savory cooking liquid that keeps the rice tender and tasty.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild onion flavor used as a bright garnish.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by slicing the Andouille sausage into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the sausage slices until they’re beautifully browned on the outside. Don’t rush this part — those browned bits stuck to the bottom are like little flavor treasures that will deepen your dish’s taste later on.
Step 2: Add the Bell Pepper
While the sausage is cooking, dice your bell pepper. Once the sausage is nicely browned, add the diced pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for about a minute, just until the peppers soften a bit but still keep their vibrant color and crunch to balance the hearty sausage.
Step 3: Add Spices
Now the magic happens. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well and sauté everything together for another minute. This toasting step wakes up those spices, turning the skillet into a fragrant, flavor-packed masterpiece.
Step 4: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth
Next, pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the cup of long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits clinging to the pan’s bottom — they’re gold for boosting flavor.
Step 5: Simmer the Skillet
Cover the skillet with a lid and crank the heat up to medium-high to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek — keeping the lid on helps the rice cook perfectly without drying out.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
After simmering, remove the skillet from heat but keep the lid on. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb the liquid and flavors. Finally, lift the lid and gently fold the sausage and rice together. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crisp finishing touch that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions right before serving gives the dish a fresh, sharp contrast that balances the smoky, hearty flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty brightness.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a stand-alone star, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully. For something heartier, buttery cornbread or roasted vegetables add complementary textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet meal in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep the heat and presentation cozy. You might also scoop it onto large lettuce leaves for a handheld, chipotle-inspired wrap. The colors and textures here make it as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the rice may be a bit softer but still delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry to help restore some moisture and fluffiness to the rice.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of sausage in this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While Andouille sausage offers authentic Cajun flavor, you can substitute with smoked sausage or chorizo for a different but equally tasty twist.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a milder version, simply reduce the cayenne.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal here because it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well without getting mushy. Avoid using quick-cooking rice for best texture.
How do I store leftovers to maintain the best flavor?
Store the skillet dish in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. Reheat gently and consider fresh garnishes like green onions to revive the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s warm, hearty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do—happy cooking!
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Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A flavorful Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe combining smoky Andouille sausage with aromatic spices, tender bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fluffy white rice. Easy to prepare in one pan, this hearty dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with bold Southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼–½ inch thick pieces
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 (15 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
Spices
- 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
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into ¼-½ inch thick pieces. 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 browned bits to form on the bottom of the skillet to build 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 it starts to soften.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper into the skillet. Stir well and sauté for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Rice, Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to integrate deeper flavor into the mixture.
- 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 simmer gently for 20 minutes, keeping the lid closed to ensure perfectly cooked rice.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the lid, gently fold the sausage and rice together to combine evenly, and top with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Do not open the lid while simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and retains moisture.
- Browning the sausage well is key for developing rich flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly when using plant-based sausage.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness according to preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
