If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant one-pan wonder, perfectly balancing spicy and smoky notes from the Andouille sausage with tender rice and fire-roasted tomatoes. The mix of fragrant herbs and spices will have your kitchen smelling incredible, and the rustic, colorful presentation makes it a dinner that feels special yet easy enough for any weeknight. Trust me, once you try this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe, it’s going to be a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are simple but essential, each adding a unique touch of flavor, texture, or a pop of color to bring the dish to life. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry, so let’s dive into what makes this meal shine.
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy depth to the dish that’s totally unforgettable.
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Helps brown the sausage perfectly and prevents sticking.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Provides sweetness and bright color to balance the spice.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant garnish.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings warm smokiness essential to Cajun flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Offers an herbal earthiness that complements the sausage.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Adds subtle complexity and depth to the spice blend.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlic undertone without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes throughout the skillet.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Just a little kick to bring warmth and heat.
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Gives subtle sharpness and spice balance.
- 1 15 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds a rich, smoky tang and moisture for simmering the rice.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Creates the hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth: Provides savory liquid for cooking the rice to tender perfection.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by slicing your Andouille sausage into about ¼ to ½ inch thick rounds — this size lets them cook evenly while still giving you satisfying bites. Heat the cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the sausage slices. Let them sauté until beautifully browned, making sure to let those golden bits stick to the skillet’s bottom because that’s flavor gold waiting to be stirred in later.
Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper
While the sausage is doing its thing, dice your bell pepper. Toss it into the skillet with the browned sausage and sauté everything together for about a minute. This step softens the pepper just enough to marry its sweetness with the smoky sausage, setting a perfect foundation before the spices come in.
Step 3: Add and Toast the Spices
Now for the magic: sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper over the sausage and peppers. Stir them around and sauté for about a minute. Toasting the spices like this really awakens their aromas and layers complexity into your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth
Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the cup of white rice, and the chicken broth. Stir everything to combine well, making sure you scrape up all those browned bits stuck at the bottom. Those bits dissolve into the liquid and give the dish the rich, smoky flavor you’re after.
Step 5: Simmer the Skillet
Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat up to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This is when the rice absorbs all those luscious flavors and becomes tender but not mushy. Resist the urge to peek too much — patience here pays off!
Step 6: Rest and Serve
When the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow everything to set. Finally, lift the lid and gently fold the sausage and rice together so the flavors distribute evenly. Now you’re ready to serve a steaming, fragrant skillet meal that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to finish this dish is with some fresh sliced green onions sprinkled on top. Their bright flavor and crisp texture add a lovely contrast to the warm, savory sausage and rice. If you want to kick it up a notch, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese also works wonders.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but if you’re feeling extra generous, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and freshness without overwhelming the boldness of the Cajun flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic dinner party feel — it looks so inviting! Alternatively, place portions in individual bowls topped with extra green onions and a wedge of lime for a bright citrus twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty as the first meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers too! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. They should maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet meal gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it feels dry, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly without losing the dish’s comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Andouille sausage is traditional for Cajun dishes and offers that smoky, spicy punch, you can substitute smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder sausage if you prefer less heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your sausage ingredients to avoid any fillers or additives containing gluten.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or a hearty vegetable like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It won’t have the same smoky sausage flavor, but the spices will still shine!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly, usually about 45 minutes, to get a perfectly tender texture.
What should I do if the rice isn’t fully cooked after simmering?
If your rice still feels a little firm after the simmer time, simply add a bit more broth or water, cover, and cook a few minutes longer on low heat until it’s tender. Every stovetop and pot conducts heat differently.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside out. It’s straightforward, full of character, and totally satisfying for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience those bold Cajun flavors mingling perfectly with tender rice and savory sausage. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring spicy Andouille sausage, tender bell peppers, and smoky spices simmered with rice and fire-roasted tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines robust Cajun seasonings and easy stovetop cooking to deliver a delicious, satisfying meal in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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
Main Ingredients
- 1 15 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices. Heat the cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until they are well browned, allowing the browned bits to form on the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté Bell Pepper: While the sausage is cooking, dice the bell pepper. Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet with the browned sausage and sauté for about one more minute until the pepper softens slightly.
- Add and Toast Spices: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper into the skillet. Stir and sauté the mixture for about one minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth: Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to infuse more flavor into the dish.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the broth to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and keep the lid on. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming. After resting, lift the lid and gently fold the sausage and rice to redistribute everything evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Slice sausage uniformly to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Do not stir the rice too much during simmering to avoid mushiness.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Resting the dish off heat helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and improves texture.
