Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is my answer to a hearty meal on busy nights when I want big flavor with little effort All the excitement of Cajun cooking comes together in one pan thanks to smoky sausage colorful peppers and bold spices My family never leaves leftovers when this hits the table

I first made this dish after a busy workday when we needed a comforting dinner fast Now it is my go to for easy weeknight meals and every time the kitchen smells like a Southern kitchen party

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage such as Andouille or Kielbasa: Choose a variety with real smoke flavor and a natural casing for the best texture
• Long grain white rice: Rinsing removes excess starch and keeps the skillet fluffy
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and bright color Look for one that feels heavy for its size
• Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh slightly bitter punch Choose a firm glossy pepper
• Yellow or white onion: Forms the savory base with the peppers Pick one without soft spots or green sprouting
• Garlic: Gives depth and savoriness to the whole dish Use fresh cloves for the brightest flavor
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with more flavor than water Quality low sodium broth lets you control salt
• Cajun seasoning: Either store bought or homemade check your mix for salt level and freshness
• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness Use extra virgin if possible
• Salt and pepper: Rounds out and sharpens all other flavors Taste and adjust near the end for balance
• Fresh parsley: Optional for a bright fresh finish Choose flat leaf parsley for easy chopping
• Green onions: Optional for bitey crunch at the end Add right before serving
• Hot sauce: Optional for those who love added heat Use your favorite brand

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Slice the sausage into rounds about one half inch thick so they brown evenly and absorb flavors Dice the red and green bell pepper and onion as uniform as possible for even sautéing Mince the garlic rinsing the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water stays clear to prevent stickiness in the final dish

Cook the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large wide skillet over medium heat Add sliced sausage making sure each piece touches the pan surface Cook for five to seven minutes flipping once or twice until the edges are golden and crisp Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate keeping as much oil in the pan as possible

Sauté the Veggies:

To the same skillet add diced onion and both bell peppers Stir well and let cook for about three minutes until vegetables begin to soften and turn glossy Add the minced garlic and cook another minute stirring often to avoid burning Once you smell the sweet aroma of garlic it is time for the next step

Toast the Rice:

Pour the rinsed rice into the hot skillet with the vegetables Stir so each grain of rice gets coated in seasoned oil Toast the rice for about two minutes gently moving it around so it does not stick until you smell a nutty fragrance This step boosts the rice flavor and helps it stay fluffy

Cook the Rice:

Add chicken broth and Cajun seasoning to the skillet Stir everything together making sure rice and vegetables are evenly distributed Bring to a strong simmer uncovered over medium heat Once bubbling cover the skillet tightly reduce heat to low and let simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes checking once or twice to ensure it does not scorch on the bottom When rice is tender and liquid is absorbed it is ready

Combine and Finish:

Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the rice Mixture Stir together well Allow the skillet to cook on low heat for three to five minutes so all the flavors soak into each spoonful Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Serve:

Ladle the skillet hot into bowls or plates Top each portion with chopped parsley and green onions if using Drizzle hot sauce for a spicy kick and offer extra hot sauce on the side for those who want more heat

Save

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the smoky sausage When I was a kid spicy Andouille was the highlight of every family BBQ Now every time I cook this skillet the nostalgia and aroma take me right back to those joyful gatherings with laughter and great food

Storage Tips

Let your skillet cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers This meal stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days For longer storage portion and freeze individual servings They reheat best in a microwave with a splash of broth or water

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Andouille or Kielbasa for chicken sausage or even a plant based sausage for a different twist Brown rice works instead of white but you will need to increase the broth and cooking time If you want it extra spicy try adding diced jalapeño with the peppers

Serving Suggestions

This skillet holds its own as a complete meal but feels even more festive with a side of cornbread Steamed greens or a simple green salad also make great partners If you are making it for a crowd offer an array of hot sauces for everyone to customize their plate

Cultural Context

One pan rice dishes are a Southern kitchen classic and the Cajun version brings together French African and Spanish roots through its use of peppers sausage and bold spices This dish is a weeknight nod to jambalaya and reminds us how food adapts and travels between cultures with every family who makes it their own

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best?

Andouille or kielbasa add smoky, savory flavor, but any smoked sausage can be used for this dish.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust broth and simmer until rice is tender.

→ Is this dish very spicy?

Spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and optional hot sauce. Adjust to your taste preference.

→ How do I prevent rice from getting mushy?

Rinse rice before adding and avoid overcooking. Use the right ratio of broth for fluffy, separate grains.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.