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Cajun Sausage and Rice – Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
This Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet brings the bold flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen in just one pan. Packed with smoky andouille sausage, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice, this hearty dish delivers authentic Cajun taste without the fuss. You’ll love how the fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth create a rich, flavorful base that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor concentration
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners
- Authentic Cajun spices create a restaurant-quality taste at home
- Budget-friendly ingredients that feed a family without breaking the bank
- Customizable heat level to suit everyone’s spice preferences
Why This Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet Recipe Works
The secret lies in building layers of flavor. First, browning the sausage creates fond on the bottom of your skillet – those caramelized bits become liquid gold when deglazed with broth. The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and perfectly balanced Cajun spices infuses every grain of rice with authentic Louisiana flavor.
Using long-grain white rice ensures each grain stays separate and fluffy, while the absorption method guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time. The resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
This recipe transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into something special. The smoky andouille sausage provides protein and incredible flavor, while the medley of Cajun spices creates that authentic Southern taste you crave.
Everything cooks in one skillet, making it perfect for busy families. The ingredients are simple and affordable, yet the results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily scalable for larger crowds or meal prep.
What You’ll Need for This Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andouille sausage | 14 oz | Main protein, provides smoky flavor |
| Cooking oil | 1 tablespoon | Prevents sticking, aids browning |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium | Adds sweetness and crunch |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | Key Cajun flavor component |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon | Earthy herb flavor |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon | Classic Cajun seasoning |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 teaspoon | Savory depth |
| Onion powder | 1/4 teaspoon | Sweet aromatic base |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/8 teaspoon | Heat and spice |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon | General seasoning |
| Fire roasted diced tomatoes | 15 oz can | Adds acidity and richness |
| Long grain white rice | 1 cup | Main starch component |
| Chicken broth | 1.5 cups | Cooking liquid for rice |
| Green onions | 2 stalks | Fresh garnish and flavor |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Deep skillet or Dutch oven | Main cooking vessel for one-pan preparation |
| Sharp knife | Slicing sausage and chopping vegetables |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring without scratching cookware |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Tight-fitting lid | Essential for proper rice cooking |
How to Make Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Brown the Sausage | Slice sausage into ¼-½ inch thick pieces. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and sauté until well browned, allowing fond to develop on bottom of pan. |
| Step 2: Add Bell Pepper | Dice bell pepper while sausage cooks. Once sausage is browned, add bell pepper to skillet and sauté for 1 minute until slightly softened. |
| Step 3: Toast the Spices | Add smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their flavors. |
| Step 4: Add Liquids and Rice | Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, rice, and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan – this adds incredible flavor to the dish. |
| Step 5: Simmer | Cover skillet with tight-fitting lid. Increase heat to medium-high until mixture reaches full boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes undisturbed. |
| Step 6: Rest and Serve | Remove from heat and let rest with lid on for 5 minutes. Remove lid, fold ingredients together to redistribute. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip browning the sausage properly – those caramelized bits create the foundation of flavor
- Use long-grain rice for best texture; short-grain rice becomes too sticky for this dish
- Resist lifting the lid during cooking – trapped steam is essential for perfectly cooked rice
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow moisture to redistribute evenly throughout
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste – start with less if you’re sensitive to heat
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
Serving Tips
Serve this Cajun rice dish hot from the skillet for best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh green onions and consider adding a dollop of sour cream to balance the spices.
This pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread. For a complete meal, serve alongside our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a true comfort food feast.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
The biggest mistake is rushing the sausage browning process. Proper caramelization takes time but creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Don’t move the sausage around too much – let it develop that golden crust.
Another common error is lifting the lid during rice cooking. This releases essential steam and leads to unevenly cooked rice. Trust the process and keep that lid on for the full cooking time.
Using the wrong rice type can ruin texture. Avoid instant rice or short-grain varieties. Long-grain white rice is essential for achieving separate, fluffy grains that absorb flavors perfectly.
You Must Know
- Always use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to prevent hot spots and burning
- Fire-roasted tomatoes make a significant difference in flavor compared to regular diced tomatoes
- The liquid-to-rice ratio is crucial – don’t alter it or your rice won’t cook properly
- Andouille sausage can be substituted with smoked turkey sausage for a lighter option
Tips and Tricks for Cajun Sausage and Rice
For extra depth, add a bay leaf during the simmering process – just remember to remove it before serving. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding diced celery along with the bell pepper.
Make your own Cajun seasoning blend by combining the individual spices. This gives you complete control over the heat level and salt content. Store extra seasoning in an airtight container for future use.
Consider adding frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition. The residual heat will cook them perfectly without making them mushy.
Suggestions for Cajun Sausage and Rice
Transform this basic recipe by experimenting with different proteins. Try it with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
For vegetable variations, consider adding okra for authentic Louisiana flair, or mushrooms for earthy richness. Diced jalapeños can replace or supplement the cayenne for fresh heat.
This recipe works wonderfully as a base for other Louisiana-inspired dishes. Try our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for another one-pan wonder.
FAQ for Cajun Sausage and Rice
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight.
Smoked turkey sausage, kielbasa, or chorizo work well as substitutes. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but all maintain the smoky, spiced character essential to this dish.
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild sausage instead of spicy andouille. You can also add a dollop of sour cream when serving to cool down the heat.
Brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Use 2 cups of broth instead of 1.5 cups and increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes. The texture will be chewier but equally delicious.
Mushy rice usually results from too much liquid, lifting the lid during cooking, or overcooking. Follow the liquid ratios exactly and resist checking until the full cooking time is complete.
Conclusion
This Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet delivers authentic Louisiana flavors in one convenient pan. With its perfect balance of smoky sausage, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, it’s destined to become a family favorite.
The beauty lies in its simplicity – basic ingredients transform into something extraordinary through proper technique and timing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish adapts to your needs while maintaining its delicious character.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bring bold Louisiana flavors to your dinner table with this easy one-pan Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet. Featuring smoky andouille sausage, perfectly seasoned rice, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this hearty and flavorful dish is ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 14 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Slice sausage into ¼-½ inch thick pieces. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and sauté until well browned, allowing fond to develop on bottom of pan.
- Dice bell pepper while sausage cooks. Once sausage is browned, add bell pepper to skillet and sauté for 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Add smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their flavors.
- Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, rice, and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan – this adds incredible flavor to the dish.
- Cover skillet with tight-fitting lid. Increase heat to medium-high until mixture reaches full boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes undisturbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest with lid on for 5 minutes. Remove lid, fold ingredients together to redistribute. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the sausage properly – those caramelized bits create the foundation of flavor
- Use long-grain rice for best texture; short-grain rice becomes too sticky for this dish
- Resist lifting the lid during cooking – trapped steam is essential for perfectly cooked rice
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow moisture to redistribute evenly throughout
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste – start with less if you’re sensitive to heat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cajun rice skillet, sausage and rice, andouille sausage dinner, Louisiana rice dish, easy Cajun recipe, spicy rice skillet, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner
