Name: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz Smoked Sausage such as Andouille or Kielbasa (sliced into ½-inch rounds); 1 cup Rice (long-grain white rice, rinsed); 1 Bell Pepper (red, diced); 1 Bell Pepper (green, diced); 1 medium Onion (yellow or white, diced); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth; 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp Olive Oil; Salt and Pepper (to taste); Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish); Green Onions (optional, for garnish); Hot Sauce (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with an incredibly hearty, flavor-packed meal: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet. This vibrant Southern-inspired one-pan dish bursts with smoky sausage, fluffy rice, sweet bell peppers, and a generous kick of Cajun spice. Every forkful is a perfect balance of comforting textures and lively flavors. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, but bold enough to wow your taste buds any day of the week!

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is in just how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is. Every component plays a role in layering flavor, adding color, or creating luscious, spoonable texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—and why you can’t skip a thing:

Smoked Sausage (12 oz, sliced into ½-inch rounds): Choose Andouille or Kielbasa for smoky, meaty bites that anchor every serving.
Rice (1 cup, long-grain white, rinsed): Long-grain rice absorbs all those flavorful juices and spices without getting mushy.
Bell Pepper (1 red and 1 green, diced): These add color, crunch, and a whisper of sweetness to the mix.
Onion (1 medium, yellow or white, diced): A classic flavor base that helps set the Cajun tone.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Elevates the aroma and rounds out the savory depth.
Chicken Broth (1 ½ cups): Gives the rice incredible, rich flavor as it cooks.
Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp): Packs in smoky, spicy, and herby vibes—adjust to taste.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps brown the sausage and sauté the veggies evenly.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the robust flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and freshness at the finish.
Green Onions (optional, for garnish): Lively and bright, with a gentle crunch.
Hot Sauce (optional, for serving): Spicy enthusiasts, this takes your skillet over the top!

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready so this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet comes together without a hitch. Slice the sausage into hearty, half-inch rounds for the perfect bite. Dice both bell peppers along with your onion, and mince the garlic so each flavor gets a moment to shine. Rinse the rice under cool water until it runs clear—this ensures your grains stay perfectly separate and fluffy once cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sausage slices and let them sizzle for 5 to 7 minutes. They should get golden and just a little crisp at the edges. Once they’re browned to perfection, scoop them out and set aside—you’ll add them back for that bold Cajun bite!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet (hello, layers of flavor!), add your diced onion and bell peppers. Cook those down for around 3 minutes, until they turn soft and their colors pop even more. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. The kitchen should already be smelling absolutely incredible.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed rice and gently mix it with the sautéed veggies. Toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when you catch a subtle, nutty aroma—it’s a small step that brings out big flavors in the final dish!

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in that generous Cajun seasoning, giving everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then drop the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up that brothy, spicy goodness and grow fluffy and tender with every passing minute.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Once your rice is perfectly cooked and all the liquid’s absorbed, scatter the browned sausage back into the skillet. Fold everything together and let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed—you’re almost there!

Step 7: Serve

Spoon your hot Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet onto plates or straight from the skillet (it’s that kind of meal!). Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, green onions, and a little drizzle of hot sauce if you love a kick. Every bite is warm, colorful, and packed with Southern soul.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A little fresh parsley or sliced green onions add not just color but a lively, herby freshness that balances out the smoky Cajun flavors. For spice seekers, keep a bottle of your favorite hot sauce at the ready—a few drops transform every bite.

Side Dishes

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a simple green salad or some skillet-cooked corn makes for a full feast. A wedge of cornbread is never a bad idea, either. Southern comfort perfection!

Creative Ways to Present

Make a dinner party out of it! Serve the skillet family-style in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves. For meal-prep, spoon it into individual bowls or pack in containers for vibrant weekday lunches. You can even pile it into bell pepper halves, bake, and serve for a stunning, edible presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container—flavors only intensify as it sits! Just make sure it cools completely before sealing it up to prevent any unwanted sogginess.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Let the skillet cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to dig in again.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a fresh scatter of herbs if you feel fancy!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need extra liquid. You might need to increase the simmer time by 15-20 minutes and add half a cup more broth.

Is this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet very spicy?

The level of heat totally depends on your Cajun seasoning and whether you add hot sauce at the end. For a milder version, choose a mild Cajun blend and let everyone add their own heat with hot sauce at the table.

What kind of sausage works best?

Andouille is the classic choice for a smoky, spicy punch, but Kielbasa is delicious as well and often more readily available. Even turkey or chicken sausage works nicely if you want something lighter.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the sausage for your favorite plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get bags of flavor, color, and texture, minus the meat.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Just make sure to use a very large skillet and be prepared to increase the cooking time slightly so the rice cooks evenly. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a huge hit at potlucks and gatherings!

Final Thoughts

I can never resist sharing this recipe with friends and family—it’s just that good! Whether you need quick comfort on a weeknight or you’re feeding a small group, the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet always delivers satisfaction and a burst of Southern flavor. Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to favorites, too!