Save to Pinterest A flavorful one-pan dish featuring spicy sausage, tender rice, and a medley of vegetables, all seasoned with classic Cajun spices.
I first made this Cajun sausage and rice skillet for a weeknight dinner and was amazed by how little cleanup was needed. The combination of smoky sausage and perfectly cooked rice packed with vegetables has made it a reliable favorite in our house.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa): 350 g (12 oz), sliced into 1 cm rounds
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 200 g (1 cup), rinsed
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Canned diced tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz), drained
- Cajun seasoning: 1 ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Dried thyme: ¼ tsp
- Dried oregano: ¼ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Cayenne pepper: Pinch (optional)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Spring onions: 2, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add rice:
- Add rinsed rice, stir, and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix well.
- Simmer:
- Return sausage to skillet. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Rest and fluff:
- Remove from heat. Keep covered and let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with fork.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with chopped parsley and sliced spring onion before serving.
Save to Pinterest This meal comes together quickly and our family loves how everyone gets to add their favorite garnish at the table. It's often requested for weeknight dinners.
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet with lid, cutting board, chef's knife, wooden spoon or spatula, and measuring cups and spoons for prep.
Allergen Information
This recipe can contain gluten, soy, or mustard depending on the sausage and Cajun seasoning you use. Check all product labels before preparing if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 460 calories, 23 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve hot straight from the skillet and savor the comfort of Cajun flavors. This dish reheats beautifully for lunch or leftovers!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of sausage works best for this skillet?
Smoked sausage like Andouille or kielbasa adds rich flavor and texture, but turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for a lighter result.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Increase or decrease Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper to taste for a hotter or milder dish.
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but brown rice requires extra cooking time and additional liquid. Start by adjusting broth and checking for desired tenderness.
- → What vegetables can be added?
Okra and corn are tasty additions that boost both flavor and texture. Customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be, but check sausage and seasoning labels for possible gluten, soy, or mustard content to ensure suitability.
- → What’s a good garnish for extra freshness?
Top with chopped parsley, sliced spring onions, or a dash of hot sauce before serving for a flavorful finish.