Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet (One-Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes!)

Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pan? This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is packed with bold, smoky spices, hearty sausage, and tender rice. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes to wash!
• Bold Cajun flavors: A perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and richness.
• Fast and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—great for busy nights.
• Versatile: Use any sausage you like, and adjust the spice level to taste.
• Meal-prep friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust based on sausage and Cajun seasoning)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Toast the Rice and Add Spices

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute, letting it toast slightly. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the rice in the seasonings.

3. Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Add the Sausage Back In

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it warm through for about 2 minutes. If desired, add a few dashes of hot sauce for extra spice.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, chicken, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced celery, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Different Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice (increase cooking time) or quinoa.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese at the end.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-5
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

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FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on the Cajun seasoning and sausage you use. Andouille sausage and extra hot sauce will make it spicier, while milder sausage and reduced seasoning will keep it mild.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 40-45 minutes.

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage provides authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or any smoked sausage works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

What should I serve with this?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but cornbread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and Cajun seasoning are certified gluten-free.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium chicken broth and make homemade Cajun seasoning to control the salt level.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger skillet and double all ingredients, but keep an eye on cooking times.

What’s the best way to add extra protein?

Adding cooked shrimp or diced chicken breast near the end is a great way to boost protein.

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Conclusion

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a fantastic one-pan meal that’s bold, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether you love spicy flavors or prefer to keep it mild, this dish is completely customizable. Try it for your next busy weeknight, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of a hearty skillet dinner!

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