If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in one skillet, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe should be at the top of your list. I absolutely love how everything cooks together, with the smoky and spicy sausage infusing the rice with big bold flavors. It’s one of those dishes where you can toss all your ingredients in and walk away, knowing a delicious dinner is waiting for you.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a winner. When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how the simple combination of Andouille sausage, spices, and fire-roasted tomatoes created such a rich, vibrant dish. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for an easy dinner with a kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: You only need one skillet for this whole meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- Bold, Authentic Flavors: The Andouille sausage and Cajun spices bring that genuine Southern flair you crave.
- Comfort Food Made Quick: Ready in just about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile & Easily Customizable: Swap sausage types and adjust spices to match your flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here work together to create that unmistakable Cajun taste we love. When you shop, look for a good quality Andouille sausage—it really makes a difference—but if it’s tough to find, a smoked pork sausage works just fine.
- Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage packs a ton of flavor and spice, giving the dish its signature kick.
- Cooking oil: Helps brown the sausage nicely without sticking.
- Bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to balance the spice.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky depth that elevates the whole skillet.
- Dried oregano & thyme: Classic herb combo that rounds out the Cajun spices perfectly.
- Garlic & onion powder: Convenient, potent flavor boosters to save time.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds that exciting heat—adjust to taste!
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds complexity and a little bite.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and sweetness, plus a touch of charred flavor.
- Long grain white rice: Absorbs all the flavors nicely without getting mushy.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Green onions: Fresh topping to finish with a vibrant crunch.
Variations
I love that this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is so flexible—I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m feeding. It’s super easy to make it your own and still get incredible results.
- Swap the Sausage: If you’re not a fan of Andouille, try kielbasa or chorizo for a different smoky flair. I’ve done this when I couldn’t find Andouille, and it’s still delicious!
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add smoked tofu or tempeh plus extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use Brown Rice: For a healthier spin, use brown rice but increase the simmering time by about 10 minutes.
- Add Heat: I sometimes double the cayenne pepper for a spicier skillet, and my family relishes the added kick.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Build Flavor
Start by slicing your Andouille sausage into quarter to half-inch thick pieces. Heat your cooking oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the sausage. Let it brown well on each side—don’t rush or stir constantly. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom? Don’t scrape them off just yet, because that’s where the magic happens for flavor later.
Step 2: Sauté Bell Pepper and Toast Spices
While your sausage is browning, dice your bell pepper. Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss the bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté it just long enough—about a minute—to soften slightly without losing its brightness. Now add all your spices—smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper—and stir everything together for another minute. This step toasts the spices, unlocking their full aroma and layering the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth
Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, your cup of rice, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping gently to release those browned bits from the pan bottom—this adds that wonderful depth to the rice. Bring everything to a boil with the lid on, then reduce heat to low to let it simmer for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too often; let that rice absorb all the flavor undisturbed.
Step 4: Let it Rest and Finish
After simmering, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for another 5 minutes. This resting time lets the rice finish fluffing up and soak in any remaining juices. Finally, remove the lid, fold the rice and sausage together so everything’s mixed evenly, and sprinkle those fresh green onions on top. Yum—time to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Don’t Rush Browning: Taking your time to brown the sausage properly adds a smoky depth and caramelized flavor that’s key to this dish.
- Toast the Spices: Spend that extra minute stirring spices with the sausage and peppers to release their essential oils and boost the aroma.
- Resist Stirring the Rice: Stirring during simmering can make the rice gummy—patience here equals fluffy rice every time.
- Use a Lid for Resting: Letting the dish rest with the lid on completes the cooking process gently and locks in moisture.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this skillet with plenty of sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and a mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of hot sauce—both bring an extra zing that makes it pop.
Side Dishes
As a one-pan meal, it’s pretty complete on its own, but if I want to stretch it or add variety, I serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. Cornbread also pairs beautifully, soaking up any leftover juices on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this skillet family-style in the pan, so everyone can scoop their own portions—it feels warm and inviting. Another fun idea is to spoon the mixture over fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or serve inside bell pepper halves for colorful “stuffed” presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I find the next-day leftovers taste even better.
Freezing
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe freezes well in portioned freezer-safe containers. When I freeze it, I like to label with the date and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice. Microwaving works too—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in and prevent dryness.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage in this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While Andouille sausage is traditional and adds a smoky, spicy flavor, you can substitute it with other smoked sausages like kielbasa or chorizo. Just keep in mind the seasoning and spice level may vary, so adjust additional spices accordingly.
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What’s the best rice to use in this recipe?
I recommend long grain white rice for its texture and ability to soak up flavors without becoming mushy. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use brown rice but increase the cooking time and liquid to make sure it’s fully cooked.
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Can I make this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe in advance?
Yes! It reheats wonderfully and the flavors actually improve after resting. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for longer storage.
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How spicy is this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the cayenne and Andouille sausage. You can always adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter depending on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you’ve mastered the base, feel free to adjust the heat, swap ingredients, and really make it your own—because cooking should always be fun and delicious!
Print
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring spicy Andouille sausage, bell peppers, and aromatic Cajun spices simmered together with rice and fire roasted tomatoes. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage & Vegetables
- 14 oz. Andouille sausage
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Spices
- 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
Liquids & Grains
- 1 15oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Slice the sausage into ¼-½ inch thick slices. Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add cooking oil and sausage slices. Sauté until the sausage is well browned, allowing browned bits to form on the bottom for extra flavor.
- Sauté the bell pepper: While the sausage cooks, dice the bell pepper. Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté together with the sausage for about one minute.
- Toast the spices: Add smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for one more minute to toast the spices and develop their flavors.
- Add tomatoes, rice, and broth: Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, the long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine and to dissolve the browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then remove the lid, gently fold the rice and sausage to evenly distribute ingredients, top with sliced green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
- If Andouille sausage is unavailable, substitute with any smoked pork sausage for similar flavor.
- Be sure to let the skillet rest after cooking to allow the rice to finish absorbing liquid and to develop texture.
- Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to avoid spills when simmering the rice mixture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to spice preference.
