Sizzling Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Spicy aromas fill the kitchen when you whip up this mouthwatering cajun sausage and rice skillet that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Hearty andouille sausage sizzles alongside tender rice, creating a one-pan meal bursting with bold Louisiana flavors.

Robust spices dance through each bite, delivering warmth and depth to every forkful.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this skillet meal transforms weeknight dinners from mundane to extraordinary.

Fresh herbs and a splash of hot sauce elevate the entire experience, making each serving a delectable journey through Cajun cuisine.

Grab a fork and dive into this irresistible skillet that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet Shines

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor-packed Cajun dish that brings zesty excitement to your dinner table with minimal effort.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare a delicious one-skillet meal that saves time and reduces cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Enjoy a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines hearty sausage, tender rice, and bold Cajun spices everyone will love.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adapt the recipe with different proteins or vegetables, making it a flexible option for customizing to your taste preferences.

Sausage and Rice Skillet Ingredients

• Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that adds richness and spice to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor of the skillet.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and deep flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that brings a light, crisp finish to the dish.

• Rice: The main starch that absorbs the delicious Cajun-style flavors and creates a satisfying meal.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and adds depth to the rice cooking process.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and moisture to the skillet.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a non-stick surface for cooking.
• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of spices that creates the signature Cajun flavor profile with heat and complexity.

Cooking Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage Slices

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add sliced sausage and cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy, developing a delicious caramelized exterior.

Transfer sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Colorful Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in chopped onions and bell peppers.

Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their sweet aromatic flavors.

Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a fragrant scent.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Simmer and Steam

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes.

The rice will absorb all the spicy, savory liquid and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Gently fold the previously cooked sausage back into the rice.

Fluff the rice with a fork to create a light, airy texture.

Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the skillet directly to the table and serve piping hot.

This one-pan wonder combines spicy, hearty flavors that will delight everyone at the dinner table.

Tips for Spicy Sausage Skillet

• Replace traditional sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that still packs incredible flavor.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
• Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure the rice absorbs liquid evenly and maintains a fluffy, moist consistency.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition and a more colorful, vibrant skillet meal.
• Use the same skillet throughout cooking to preserve delicious browned bits and maximize flavor development in your dish.

Skillet Recipe Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Spicy Rice Bowl: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, keeping Cajun spices for authentic flavor.
• Seafood Cajun Rice Skillet: Swap sausage with shrimp or crawfish for a coastal Louisiana-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining spicy Cajun profile.
• Gluten-Free One-Pot Meal: Use gluten-free chicken broth and confirm Cajun seasoning is gluten-free, ensuring safe preparation for sensitive diners.

Serving the Cajun Skillet Dish

• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Crisp mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette perfectly balance the rich, spicy flavors of the Cajun sausage and rice skillet.
• Cornbread Side Kick: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread complements the dish's bold Cajun spices and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Cool Creamy Contrast: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top provides a cooling effect that tempers the dish's heat and adds a tangy freshness.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: A cold, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer cuts through the richness and enhances the meal's vibrant Cajun profile.

Storing Sausage Rice Skillet Meals

• Transfer cooled Cajun sausage and rice skillet to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack the dish in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through and rice regains its fluffy texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille sausage works best, but you can also use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage for variety.

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to make it mild or hot according to your preference.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free, and use gluten-free chicken broth to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cajun sausage and rice skillet brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your dinner table with spicy andouille sausage, tender rice, and zesty seasonings. Quick one-pan magic delivers comfort and excitement you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes

Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
2. Introduce sliced sausage into the hot pan, allowing it to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown exterior for approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a temporary holding plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté finely chopped onions and vibrant bell peppers, cooking until they soften and release their aromatic essence, roughly 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and enable the spice to release its intense fragrance, approximately 30 seconds.
5. Introduce uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
6. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, ensuring the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes perfectly tender.
7. Reintegrate the previously seared sausage into the rice mixture, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly and create a cohesive dish.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the surface, adding a vibrant finishing touch before serving the skillet piping hot.

Notes

• Select andouille or spicy smoked sausage for authentic Cajun flavor and extra kick.
• Use long-grain white rice to ensure perfect fluffy texture that absorbs seasonings well.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance by reducing or increasing amount.
• For gluten-free version, confirm sausage brand and use gluten-free chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 465 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg