Sizzling Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe for Spicy Souls

Have you ever craved a hearty Cajun sausage and rice skillet that brings zesty Louisiana flavors straight to your dinner table?

Bold spices dance through tender sausage pieces and fluffy rice grains.

Authentic Creole seasoning creates magic in just one pan.

Home cooks love how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Each bite delivers a punch of smoky, spicy goodness that makes taste buds sing.

Simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a delicious adventure that will become a weeknight favorite.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning and can I make my own?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend typically containing paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and oregano. You can easily make your own by mixing these spices in your kitchen, adjusting the heat level to your preference.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount or choose a mild Cajun seasoning blend. You can always add hot sauce at the end for extra kick.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amount according to the specific rice type’s instructions.

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Flavor Explosion Awaits

• Conquer One-Pan Cooking: This Cajun sausage and rice skillet eliminates multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
• Spice Up Family Meals: Packed with bold Cajun flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary adventure that appeals to both adults and kids.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: From slicing sausage to serving, this dish comes together rapidly, delivering a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and rice in a single skillet.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Checklist For Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Sausage: Adds hearty flavor and protein to the Cajun-style skillet dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Provide a sweet and aromatic base for the skillet.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and robust flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Rice: Serves as the primary starch that absorbs the delicious Cajun seasonings.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice and adds depth to the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers the signature spicy and bold Cajun flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, fresh finishing touch.
• Hot Sauce: Optional condiment for those who want extra heat.

Clear Steps To Cook Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Slice and Dice the Ingredients

Get your cutting board ready. Chop the sausage into bite-sized rounds.

Finely dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic into tiny pieces. Rinse the rice under cool water until the water looks clear and clean.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Drop in the sausage slices and let them dance around the pan.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and crispy edges. Scoop out the sausage and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Saute the Veggie Medley

• Diced onions
• Bell peppers

Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the vegetable mixture and oil. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it starts to smell nutty and fragrant.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the rice. Give everything a good stir.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Once the rice is perfectly cooked, return the crispy sausage to the skillet. Gently mix everything, allowing the flavors to mingle and become best friends for 3-5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up this delicious skillet meal. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top.

Add a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling extra spicy. Dig in and enjoy your flavor-packed creation!

Kitchen Tips To Elevate Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Wash rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that don't clump together.
• Brown sausage on medium-high heat to develop a crispy exterior and rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the entire dish.
• Saute onions and peppers first, then add garlic last to prevent burning and maximize the vegetables' sweet, fragrant qualities.
• Use precise liquid measurements and low, steady heat to achieve perfectly cooked rice that's neither dry nor mushy.
• Sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning or add a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicier kick in their one-pan meal.

Delicious Variations To Try With Cajun Sausage Skillet

• Spicy Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace sausage with plant-based chorizo or spicy black beans for a meatless protein-packed alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the Cajun flavor profile.
• Seafood Cajun Skillet: Swap sausage with shrimp or crawfish for a coastal-inspired version. Adjust cooking time to prevent seafood from overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to create a low-carbohydrate option. Keep the Cajun seasoning and cooking method similar to maintain authentic flavors.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Replace Cajun seasoning with za'atar spice blend. Use lamb sausage and add diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist on the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions To Enhance Cajun Sausage And Rice

Light, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of Cajun sausage, complementing the spicy flavors with its bright acidity and herbal notes.

Cool, crunchy cucumber salad balances the warm, spicy skillet, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Creamy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy side that echoes the Cajun dish’s bold flavors and adds textural variety to the meal.

Drizzle authentic Louisiana hot sauce over the skillet to amplify the Cajun spices, adding an extra layer of heat and traditional regional flavor.

Storage Guidelines To Keep Cajun Sausage Skillet Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the sausage and rice remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir the Cajun sausage and rice mixture gently, heating for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun sausage and rice skillet brings Louisiana’s soulful flavors to your dinner table with bold, zesty ingredients. Hearty one-pan magic combines smoky andouille sausage, tender rice, and a kick of Creole seasoning you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion (yellow or white), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sausage by slicing into half-inch rounds, creating uniform pieces for even cooking and aesthetic presentation.
2. Chop bell peppers and onions into consistent, small dice while mincing garlic for robust flavor distribution.
3. Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water until liquid becomes transparent, removing excess starch for fluffy texture.
4. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F), creating an ideal searing environment for sausage.
5. Sizzle sausage rounds for 5-6 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve golden-brown caramelization and crispy edges.
6. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate, preserving the rendered fat in the skillet for vegetable sautéing.
7. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and develop slight translucency.
8. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to release aromatic compounds without burning.
9. Incorporate rinsed rice, coating grains with vegetable oils and allowing gentle toasting for enhanced nutty undertones.
10. Pour chicken broth and sprinkle Cajun seasoning, creating a flavorful liquid base for rice absorption.
11. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering skillet to steam rice for 18-20 minutes.
12. Once rice reaches tender consistency and liquid disappears, reintroduce sausage and gently fold to integrate flavors.
13. Allow final 3-minute warming period to harmonize ingredients and develop deep, rich taste profile.
14. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and optional hot sauce for personalized heat.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that don’t clump together.
• Select spicy Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, or swap with mild smoked sausage for less heat-sensitive palates.
• Toast rice before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and create a more complex, restaurant-quality taste profile.
• Customize recipe by adding protein alternatives like shredded chicken or plant-based sausage for dietary flexibility and variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg