Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

As the sausage sizzles in the pan, releasing its smoky, spiced aroma, you’ll notice how quickly the dish starts to come together. The rich, savory flavors of the Cajun sausage mingle with the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, creating a symphony of smells that will have everyone in the house flocking to the kitchen. The slight heat from the Cajun seasoning dances across your taste buds, not overpowering, but adding that perfect level of warmth. It’s this balance of spices, alongside the savory sausage, that makes this skillet meal feel like a cozy hug on a plate.

What I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can tweak the heat level to suit your preference—add more cayenne if you’re craving a little extra kick or tone it down for a more mellow flavor. I’ve even swapped out the sausage for chicken sausage on occasion when I’m in the mood for something lighter, and it works just as well. The rice, cooked right in the skillet, absorbs all those flavorful juices, turning into a flavorful, hearty base that brings everything together. Every bite is a reminder of how simple ingredients, combined with just the right spices, can create something truly special.

Key Ingredients in Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the bold flavors each ingredient brings to the table. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to bring this skillet to life:

• Cajun sausage
  The star of the dish, this sausage is packed with smoky, spicy flavors. It provides a savory depth that forms the base of the entire meal, adding both richness and a bit of heat.
• Olive oil
  Used for sautéing the veggies and sausage, olive oil helps bring out the natural sweetness of the onion and bell pepper, creating a smooth foundation for all the flavors to meld together.
• Onion
  A classic in almost any savory dish, onion adds a layer of sweetness and a touch of earthiness. It caramelizes beautifully when cooked, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor.
• Bell pepper
  The bell pepper brings color and crunch, along with a mild sweetness that balances out the heat from the sausage and spices. It’s a key ingredient for both texture and flavor.
• Garlic
  A must for any dish that’s looking to pack a punch, garlic infuses the skillet with its unmistakable savory aroma. It helps deepen the flavor profile and enhances all the other ingredients.
• Long-grain white rice
  Rice is the perfect vehicle to soak up all the flavorful juices from the sausage and chicken broth, becoming a hearty and satisfying base for the dish.
• Chicken broth
  The chicken broth adds moisture and richness to the rice, ensuring it cooks to perfection while also infusing the dish with a savory backdrop of flavor.
• Paprika
  This spice adds both color and a mild smokiness to the dish. It’s not just for looks—paprika brings a subtle heat that complements the sausage beautifully.
• Dried thyme
  Earthy and aromatic, thyme rounds out the flavor profile and adds a herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the peppers.
• Cayenne pepper
  For those who love a little heat, cayenne brings an extra kick. Just a pinch is all it takes to give the dish a fiery finish that ties everything together.
• Black pepper
  The black pepper adds a sharp, aromatic note that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the onion and peppers, while giving the dish that final touch of seasoning.
• Salt
  Salt brings all the flavors to life, enhancing the natural taste of the sausage, rice, and veggies. It’s the essential ingredient that makes everything pop.
• Diced tomatoes
  These juicy, tangy tomatoes add moisture and a subtle sweetness to the dish, while also balancing out the richness of the sausage.
• Green onions
  Chopped green onions are the finishing touch. Their mild, fresh flavor adds a pop of color and a refreshing bite that contrasts with the warm, savory notes of the rest of the dish.

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavors. Together, they form a dish that’s both comforting and exciting with every bite.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Pair with a Side Salad
  A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the skillet. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a burst of freshness that balances out the dish beautifully. If you want a little extra flavor, toss in some avocado slices for creaminess.
• Serve with Crusty Bread
  The rice is so flavorful that you’ll want something to scoop it up with! Serve the skillet with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Whether it’s warm, freshly baked bread or a store-bought baguette, it’ll disappear fast!
• Top with a Fried Egg
  For a fun twist, top each serving with a perfectly fried egg. The rich, runny yolk adds an extra layer of creaminess, and the egg’s mild flavor complements the spicy sausage so well. It’s a little extra indulgence that takes this dish to the next level.

How to Store Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a rarity), storing your Cajun sausage and rice skillet is easy and will keep it tasting great for a few days. To keep that incredible flavor intact, allow the dish to cool down completely before storing it. If you’re planning to have it within the next few days, simply transfer it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, ready to be reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet. Let it cool thoroughly, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The rice may lose a little of its original texture, but the flavor will still be just as delicious. If you find yourself with extra sauce left over, you can always freeze it separately and stir it into the rice when reheating—it’s like getting a little extra boost of flavor!

When reheating, make sure to do so gently, whether on the stove with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave. This will help keep the rice from drying out. A little careful reheating can bring your skillet right back to life!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a true crowd-pleaser—packed with bold flavors, a little kick, and a whole lot of heart. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty yet easy to whip up. The smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant veggies all come together in one skillet for a meal that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.

I love how adaptable this recipe is—whether you’re making it spicy, swapping the sausage, or adding a fried egg on top for extra indulgence, there’s no wrong way to make it your own. The leftovers? Even better the next day! Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

If you try it out, I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know how it turns out, or if you have any questions along the way. Enjoy the flavors, the warmth, and the joy of cooking something that feels like a big, flavorful hug. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 550

Description

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder! Spicy sausage, bell peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in a smoky, savory symphony that'll make your taste buds dance. Quick, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound Cajun sausage

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• ¹⁄₂ cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up.
3. Slice the Cajun sausage into rounds or bite-sized pieces, then add it to the skillet.
4. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and is cooked through.
5. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
6. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper.
7. Cook the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
8. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
9. Stir in the rice, making sure it is well-coated with the oil and vegetable mixture.
10. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
11. Add the paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
12. Stir the ingredients together, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
13. Add the diced tomatoes, including their juice, into the skillet and mix everything together.
14. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
15. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
16. While the rice is cooking, chop the green onions and set them aside.
17. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.
18. After 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork.
19. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir everything together until evenly combined.
20. Top the skillet with the chopped green onions.
21. Serve immediately, enjoying the flavorful Cajun sausage and rice skillet.

Note

• Slice the Cajun sausage into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Use long-grain rice for the best texture and to prevent clumping.
• For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• If you prefer a smokier taste, try adding a smoked sausage variety.

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