Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a bold and flavorful one-pan meal, ready in just 30 minutes! Packed with smoked sausage, Cajun spices, and tender rice, it’s the perfect quick and easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust based on sausage and Cajun seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice and Add Spices
Add uncooked rice and stir for about 1 minute to toast slightly. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the rice in seasonings. - Simmer the Rice
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Add the Sausage Back In
Return cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Let warm through for about 2 minutes. Add hot sauce if desired. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun sausage rice, one-pan dinner, easy skillet meal, smoked sausage recipe, 30-minute meal