If you crave a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures all in one pan, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Picture tender, smoky Andouille sausage mingling with bright bell peppers, aromatic spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fluffy rice cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It’s a delightful harmony of savory, spicy, and smoky notes that come together easily but feel like a feast every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers the kind of soulful satisfaction that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is simpler than you might expect, and each item plays an essential role in the final flavor and texture. From the hearty Andouille sausage to the aromatic spices, every component contributes a little magic to the dish.
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage: Offers a smoky, spicy kick and hearty texture that forms the dish’s backbone.
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Helps brown the sausage for that irresistible caramelized flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Adds freshness, a slight sweetness, and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a deep smoky flavor that enhances the sausage’s spice.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthiness to balance the dish’s richness.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Gives a hint of herbal brightness that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Provides a mellow savory undertone without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic with gentle sweetness and depth.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Enhances the spice mix with fresh, sharp warmth.
- 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Infuses acidity, smoky char, and moisture for cooking the rice.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs all those wonderful flavors while staying light and fluffy.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth: Deepens the savory base and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Used as a fresh, crisp topping that adds color and a mild oniony bite.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by slicing the Andouille sausage into thick, quarter to half-inch rounds. Heat your skillet or Dutch oven with a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until they develop a rich brown crust. This browning creates intense flavor bits on the skillet’s bottom, which will infuse the entire dish with a smoky, caramelized depth.
Step 2: Add the Bell Pepper
While the sausage is browning, dice your bell pepper into small pieces. Once your sausage is nicely browned, toss the diced bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until the pepper softens just slightly, releasing its natural sweetness and brightening the skillet.
Step 3: Add Spices
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the toast of the spices to activate and deepen in flavor during the next minute or so of sautéing. This step is what transforms the dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 4: Add Rice, Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices, the long grain white rice, and the chicken broth. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. These bits hold a lot of flavors and will mingle with the tomatoes and broth to elevate the overall taste.
Step 5: Simmer the Skillet
Place a lid on the skillet and turn heat up to medium-high until it reaches a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the skillet gently simmer for 20 minutes. Keep that lid closed the entire time; it’s key to letting the rice cook evenly and absorb all those flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
When the simmering is done, remove the skillet from heat but leave the lid on. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 extra minutes. This resting time allows the rice to finish steaming, delivering a fluffy, tender texture. Afterward, gently fold the sausage and rice together to mix evenly, then sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh final touch.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Topping this skillet dish with freshly sliced green onions brightens the flavors and adds a satisfying crunch. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a pop of color and refreshing zest. For an extra creamy contrast, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese works wonders.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a wholesome one-pan meal, but if you want to make it even heartier, serve it alongside a crisp garden salad or some garlic bread. The crisp texture and cool freshness of these sides balance the warm, spicy richness of the skillet perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls, layering the sausage and rice with vibrant garnishes on top. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or burritos, making the dish stretch into new delicious forms that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect recipe for meal prep or next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice feels dry. Heating gently helps keep the rice fluffy and the sausage tender without drying out or burning the spices.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Andouille sausage gives that classic smoky Cajun flavor, you can use smoked kielbasa or spicy Italian sausage if Andouille is hard to find. Just be mindful of the flavor intensity and adjust spices if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Just use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to precook the brown rice partially or adjust the broth amount and simmer time accordingly.
How spicy is this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by varying the cayenne pepper amount. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne. For more heat, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the skillet partway in advance, then finish simmering just before serving to keep everything fresh and hot. It’s a fantastic dish for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those soul-warming, no-fuss meals that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s bold, comforting, and downright delicious, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort. Give it a try and savor the vibrant flavors that only a great Cajun dish can deliver.
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A flavorful and hearty Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet featuring browned Andouille sausage, aromatic spices, bell peppers, fire roasted tomatoes, and tender long grain white rice simmered together for a complete one-pan meal packed with bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼–½ inch thick pieces
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 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
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Liquids and Base
- 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 ¼-½ inch thick pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and sauté until they are well browned, allowing some browning on the skillet bottom for added flavor.
- Add the Bell Pepper: While the sausage is browning, dice the bell pepper. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and continue sautéing for about one minute until the pepper begins to soften.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper into the skillet. Stir well to combine and sauté for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
- Simmer the Skillet: Cover the skillet with a lid and increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks properly.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered, allowing it to rest for 5 minutes. After resting, remove the lid and gently fold the sausage and rice mixture to combine evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly according to your heat preference.
- You can substitute Andouille sausage with smoked sausage or any spicy sausage available.
- Make sure not to open the lid during the simmering stage to achieve perfectly cooked and fluffy rice.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the sausage used is gluten-free certified.
