Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet (Quick, Flavorful & Easy)

If you’re looking for a delicious and quick dinner option that is bursting with flavor, look no further than this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet. This one-pan meal features smoky sausage, tender rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all infused with bold Cajun spices. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in no time, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your taste, whether you prefer extra spice or a milder kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is incredibly easy to clean up since it’s all cooked in one pan. You’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

2. Packed with Flavor

The smoky sausage, Cajun seasoning, and sautéed vegetables make this dish explode with flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you want a tasty homemade meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level with more or less Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. You can also use different types of sausage, depending on your preference.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz Smoked Sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 cup Rice (long-grain white rice, rinsed)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 medium Onion (yellow or white), diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Green Onions (optional, for garnish)
• Hot Sauce (optional, for serving)

Variations

Spicy Option

For extra heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add some cayenne pepper to the skillet. You can also top the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Vegetarian Version

Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or another protein of your choice, such as tofu or beans. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to make it even heartier.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to throw in some corn, okra, or spinach for added flavor and texture. They’ll blend perfectly with the Cajun seasoning.

Different Rice

You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor, or even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to smell fragrant.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Once the rice is cooked, add the sausage back to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cajun Seasoning: If you’re using store-bought Cajun seasoning, taste it first as some brands can be spicier than others. Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your spice preference.
• Rinse the Rice: Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
• Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet or sauté pan works best to allow the sausage, rice, and vegetables to cook evenly.
• Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

How to Serve

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of cornbread, a fresh green salad, or some sautéed greens to complete the meal. A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs perfectly with this flavorful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water if needed to restore the dish’s moisture.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen for up to 1 month. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook. Add more liquid as necessary.

2. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat.

3. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to use any type of smoked sausage, such as Kielbasa or even turkey sausage for a leaner option.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach would be a great way to boost the flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it. It also makes for great leftovers!

6. What can I serve this with?

Serve this dish with cornbread, a side salad, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

7. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the sausage and broth labels to confirm they are gluten-free.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute for chicken broth, making it a great option for vegetarians.

9. Can I use instant rice?

While you can use instant rice, the cooking process may differ, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the smoky goodness of sausage with Cajun spices, tender rice, and vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this one-pan meal will become a family favorite in no time. It’s quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor—what’s not to love? Enjoy it with your favorite sides and maybe a dash of hot sauce for that extra kick!

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