If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and filling dinner, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect recipe for you! Made with tender smoked andouille sausage, colorful veggies, and a homemade Cajun seasoning blend, this one-pan dish combines classic Cajun flavors in a way that’s easy to make and even easier to clean up. Whether you’re feeding the family or preparing a quick meal for yourself, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
The combination of sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and seasoned rice is absolutely irresistible. With just the right amount of spice, this dish offers a wonderful balance of heat and flavor. You’ll love how the rice absorbs all the delicious juices, and how the sausage infuses every grain with smoky goodness. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own or with a side dish. In just under an hour, you’ll have a complete meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is ideal for busy nights or when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Read on to learn more about how to make this tasty dish from scratch!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet will quickly become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. First and foremost, it’s an easy one-pan dinner that’s packed with flavor. No need for complicated steps or a long list of ingredients—just a few simple, easy-to-find items that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
The homemade Cajun seasoning is the key to infusing this dish with all the right flavors. A blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme, it adds the perfect amount of heat without being overwhelming. Plus, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking, making it as mild or spicy as you want. The seasoning is complemented by the smoky flavor of the andouille sausage, which elevates the overall taste and gives the dish its signature Cajun flair.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping the sausage for another type of meat, like chicken or shrimp. It’s also a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks, as the leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day. Whether you serve it on its own or alongside a simple salad, this dish offers a well-rounded, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Andouille Sausage: A smoked sausage commonly used in Cajun dishes, it adds rich flavor and texture to the skillet.
- Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Vegetables: Red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion for a balance of sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or 1/2 tsp of minced garlic.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade blend for authentic flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use Rotel or a similar brand with green chilies for added heat and flavor.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking the rice and adds depth to the flavor.
- Sliced Green Onions: For garnish (optional).
Equipment Used
- Large, Deep Skillet: A wide skillet ensures that everything cooks evenly and allows for easy stirring.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients and ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Lid: To cover the skillet while simmering the rice.
Directions & Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the andouille sausage and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until it starts to brown.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic & Seasoning: Add garlic and Cajun seasoning to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, rice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, making sure the sausage and veggies are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a satisfying and balanced meal. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: ~400-450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 18-20g (mainly from the andouille sausage and chicken broth)
- Carbs: 45-50g (primarily from the rice and vegetables)
- Fat: 15-20g (from the sausage and oil)
- Fiber: 4-5g (from the vegetables and rice)
- Sodium: 800-900mg (due to the Cajun seasoning and sausage, but you can adjust the salt levels)
This meal provides a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. For a lower-calorie option, you can substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice, or use a leaner sausage option like turkey sausage.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely and add extra vegetables.
- Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to ramp up the heat.
- Shrimp Version: Swap the sausage for shrimp for a lighter, seafood-based twist on this Cajun classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so plan to simmer for 40-45 minutes instead of 20 minutes.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional for Cajun dishes, you can substitute it with other smoked sausages or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Customize the heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste by using more or less cayenne pepper, or opt for a mild version of the seasoning if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Sautéing Tips: Don’t overcrowd the skillet while browning the sausage. You want it to get a nice sear for the best flavor.
- Rest the Rice: Letting the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures a fluffier texture and allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or sautéed greens. You can also serve it alongside fried plantains or a cool, creamy coleslaw to balance the spice.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Equipment
- Large, Deep Skillet: A wide skillet ensures that everything cooks evenly and allows for easy stirring.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients and ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Lid: To cover the skillet while simmering the rice.
Ingredients Â
- Andouille Sausage: A smoked sausage commonly used in Cajun dishes it adds rich flavor and texture to the skillet.
- Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Vegetables: Red bell pepper green bell pepper, and yellow onion for a balance of sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or 1/2 tsp of minced garlic.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade blend for authentic flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use Rotel or a similar brand with green chilies for added heat and flavor.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking the rice and adds depth to the flavor.
- Sliced Green Onions: For garnish optional.
InstructionsÂ
- Cook the Sausage: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the andouille sausage and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until it starts to brown.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic & Seasoning: Add garlic and Cajun seasoning to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, rice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, making sure the sausage and veggies are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Sautéing Tips: Don’t overcrowd the skillet while browning the sausage. You want it to get a nice sear for the best flavor.
Rest the Rice: Letting the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures a fluffier texture and allows the flavors to meld together.