Name: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 14 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced; 1 Tbsp cooking oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper; ⅛ tsp black pepper; 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup long grain white rice; 1½ cups chicken broth

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 43 reviews

If you’re craving a bold, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving for comfort with a little kick, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine smoky Andouille sausage mingling with vibrant bell peppers and spicy, aromatic Cajun seasonings, all cooked with tender rice and juicy fire-roasted tomatoes for a one-pan delight that bursts with color and southern charm. This dish perfectly balances hearty and spicy with a touch of home-cooked warmth, making it an absolute winner for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver frying pan filled with sliced brown sausages, each piece with a shiny, cooked texture and some showing darker grilled spots. The sausages are spread out across the pan with a small pool of golden brown oil and cooking juices glistening around and under them. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with the shiny metal handle extending to the left side. The sausages look hot and fresh, showing a smooth, slightly crispy outer layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Great dishes start with great ingredients, and this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is no exception. Each element here is simple but packed with purpose, from the spicy sausage that adds richness and depth to the fresh bell pepper that enlivens the dish with sweet crunch and color.

14 oz. Andouille sausage: Adds smoky, spicy flavor that’s central to authentic Cajun cooking.
1 Tbsp cooking oil: Helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies without sticking.
1 bell pepper: Gives a sweet crunch and bright color contrast to the dish.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Intensifies smoky notes, enhancing aroma and taste.
½ tsp dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbal earthiness to the mix.
½ tsp dried thyme: Adds a layer of fragrant, woodsy flavor.
¼ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a mild garlic punch without overwhelming.
¼ tsp onion powder: Deepens the savory profile.
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper: Provides just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
⅛ tsp black pepper: Grounds the seasoning with gentle sharpness.
15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes: Introduces tangy sweetness and a smoky charred flavor.
1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs all the spices and juices while staying fluffy.
1½ cups chicken broth: Delivers savory richness to cook the rice perfectly.
2 green onions: Fresh garnish that adds crunch and a pop of color.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned and crispy around the edges. This step unlocks plenty of rich, smoky flavor, creating a flavorful base for your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

Once the sausage is browned, toss in the diced bell pepper. Cook until it softens just a bit but still retains some bite. This keeps the sweet freshness alive while melding perfectly with the sausage’s spicy smokiness.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper, stirring well to coat the sausage and peppers. The aroma at this point is irresistible, filling your kitchen with all those classic Cajun notes.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Rice

Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the rice. Give everything a good stir to mix the tomatoes, rice, sausage, and spices evenly, setting the stage for a perfectly seasoned dish.

Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer

Lastly, add the 1½ cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook undisturbed for about 18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Finish with Green Onions

After removing from heat, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp touch that brightens the overall flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

A round silver pot sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four distinct layers placed side by side. One layer is fluffy white rice with long grains, positioned on the left. Next to the rice is a layer of bright yellow liquid being poured from a clear glass measuring cup into the pot. On the top right is a chunky red tomato sauce with visible tomato pieces, covering a patty underneath. The bottom right side shows sliced brown sausage pieces mixed with green bell pepper chunks, all cooked and slightly browned. The pot has a shiny handle on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh green onions right before serving elevates this dish instantly, lending a mild onion kick and vibrant green color. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who want an extra punch.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is a fantastic one-dish meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies balances the bold and hearty flavors beautifully. Cornbread or crusty bread rolls work wonders too—they’re perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe in individual cast iron skillets to keep the food warm and give a rustic vibe. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for added creaminess, turning it into an indulgent comfort food celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the following day’s meal just as delicious if not more so.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the rice texture might slightly soften after thawing, but it will still taste fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help bring back moisture and keep the rice fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Andouille sausage gives that iconic Cajun flavor, you can substitute with smoked kielbasa to add a different spicy twist. Just choose a sausage you love.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a nice, mild to medium heat level thanks to cayenne and black pepper, balanced by the sweetness of bell pepper and tomatoes. You can always adjust the cayenne to make it milder or hotter.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well, but it will need a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Be sure to adjust accordingly and check the package instructions for best results.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with smoked tempeh or a plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to boost flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?

Try a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or classic Southern sides like cornbread and coleslaw. These sides complement the robust flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe enough when you want a meal that’s quick, filling, and bursting with authentic southern flavor. It’s one of those soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a big warm hug, perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!