Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great combination of smoky sausage, zesty Cajun seasoning, and tender rice. It's one of those comfort foods that is packed with bold flavors but is simple enough to make on a busy evening. Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also highly customizable. Whether you're in the mood for extra heat, a protein swap, or additional veggies, this dish can adapt to your preferences.

Ingredients

• 12 oz Smoked Sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 1 cup Rice (long-grain white rice, rinsed)

• 1 red Bell Pepper, diced

• 1 green Bell Pepper, diced

• 1 medium Onion, diced

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth

• 2 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Green Onions (optional, for garnish)

• Hot Sauce (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the 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.

2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the oil and vegetables. Toast for about 2 minutes until the rice smells nutty.

5. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it into the rice and veggies. Let everything cook together for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or chicken instead of sausage for a different twist.

• Add More Veggies: Include tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.

• Grain Swap: Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it will take longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes). You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage, depending on your preferences. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To make the dish milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning or opt for a milder sausage. For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase the veggie content.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use the right type of sausage and chicken broth.

How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy rice, don’t stir it too much while it’s cooking. Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch before cooking.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What should I serve with this?

This dish pairs well with cornbread, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad.

Can I add more protein to this dish?

Yes! You can add shrimp, chicken, or even beans to make it more filling.

Conclusion

The Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, all packed into a one-pan meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. With endless possibilities for variations, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

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This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and hearty one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights or a satisfying weeknight dinner. With smoky sausage, seasoned rice, and colorful vegetables, it delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

12 oz Smoked Sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds

1 cup Rice (long-grain white rice, rinsed)

1 red Bell Pepper, diced

1 green Bell Pepper, diced

1 medium Onion, 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)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the 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.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the oil and vegetables. Toast for about 2 minutes until the rice smells nutty.
5. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it into the rice and veggies. Let everything cook together for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or chicken instead of sausage for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Include tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Grain swap: Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 35mg