Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and made in just one pan, you’re going to adore this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how the smoky Andouille sausage blends with the perfectly spiced rice and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a dish that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. This recipe is such a winner for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but hassle-free.

When I first tried this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it all came together — and better yet, how deeply satisfying it was. It’s a great option if you want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good (if not better!), which is a huge win in my book.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, balancing spice, smokiness, and freshness – plus, they’re easy to find at most grocery stores. A few tips for picking the best: opt for quality Andouille sausage, and if bell peppers are not in season, you can substitute with another sweet pepper or even a mild poblano.

• Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage is key for authentic Cajun flavor; if unavailable, smoked pork sausage works well.
• Cooking oil: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable to brown the sausage without overpowering the spices.
• Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch; I like using red or green for color contrast.
• Smoked paprika: Boosts the smoky depth without extra heat.
• Dried oregano and thyme: Classic herbs that lend earthiness to the dish.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Layer in savory notes without chopping fresh garlic or onions.
• Cayenne pepper: A little kick to spice things up; adjust to your preferred heat level.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring brightness and a hint of smokiness that complements the sausage beautifully.
• Long grain white rice: It cooks up fluffy and soaks in all the flavors.
• Chicken broth: Adds richness and depth to the rice without overpowering the spices.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish that brightens each bite.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe can be — you can easily make it your own depending on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and tweak the spice levels or swap ingredients to suit your tastes.

• Vegetarian Twist: I once replaced sausage with smoked tofu and added extra veggies, and it was surprisingly delicious and hearty.
• Spice Level: If you like it hotter, don’t hold back on the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce at the end.
• Rice Alternatives: Brown rice or even quinoa work, but remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Extra Veggies: Throw in mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for a colorful, nutrient-packed skillet.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Build Flavor

Start by slicing the Andouille sausage into about ¼-½ inch thick rounds. Heat your deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat with a tablespoon of cooking oil, then add the sausage. I like to let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get a nice browned crust — don’t worry if some bits stick to the pan; that caramelization adds amazing flavor that will get worked into the rice later.

Step 2: Add Bell Pepper and Toast the Spices

Once your sausage is browned, toss in the diced bell pepper and sauté for about 1 minute until it softens just a bit. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and freshly cracked black pepper. Keep stirring as the spices toast for another minute to really bring out their aroma — this little step makes a huge difference, trust me.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth

Next, pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, add the rice, and stir everything to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet — those are pure gold for flavor. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed across the pan.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and crank the heat up to medium-high. Once you see the broth bubbling away, lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. After that, remove the skillet from heat but leave the lid on to let it steam for an additional 5 minutes — this resting helps the rice absorb all the flavors and finish cooking without drying out.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Lift the lid, fluff and fold the rice and sausage together to mix everything evenly, then sprinkle on the sliced green onions for a pop of fresh color and crunch. Now, dig in and enjoy a soul-satisfying meal made with love!

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this with a handful of fresh green onions — their crunch and mild oniony flavor add such freshness. Sometimes I also sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten things up even more. If you want a little extra heat, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce are fantastic additions.

Side Dishes

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe pairs beautifully with simple side salads like crisp romaine with vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed in garlic butter. Cornbread on the side is a classic that my family can’t resist — it’s perfect for soaking up any juicy bits left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this recipe in individual cast iron skillets to keep it warm and add a rustic charm. You could also stuff bell peppers with the cooked mixture and bake them for a fun presentation twist. I’ve even tried layering it in a casserole dish, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly — it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last for about 3-4 days. When you reheat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps keep the rice from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the flavors stay intact, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to revive the moisture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the dish to trap steam and heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both a comfort food classic and a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. I love sharing it with friends who are new to Cajun cooking — it’s an easy way to experience big flavors without fuss. If you give this recipe a try, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to dishes, just like it is for me. Happy cooking!

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