Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
This Cajun sausage rice skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that brings bold Louisiana flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. With smoky andouille sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice all simmered together in one pan, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and satisfying that will become a family favorite.
If you love easy skillet meals, you’ll also enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes for another simple dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the rice and spices.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
Step 5: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
Expert Tips
For the best results, use authentic andouille sausage for that signature smoky flavor. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning by half. Don’t skip toasting the rice – this step adds depth and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. For a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad like our Fresh Green Bean and Feta Salad.
This skillet meal is perfect for meal prep – it reheats beautifully and the flavors intensify overnight. You can also customize it by adding different vegetables like corn or okra for a true Southern twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use any smoked sausage variety. Chicken or beef sausage work well as alternatives to andouille.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers for extra heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add more liquid. Brown rice typically takes 40-45 minutes to cook.
What to serve with Cajun sausage rice skillet?
This dish pairs well with Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this skillet meal freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the rice and spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
