Description
A flavorful one-pan Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet featuring smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, cooked to a perfect tender rice finish. This quick and easy stovetop recipe combines hearty sausage with Cajun seasonings for a spicy, comforting meal ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Stir the long-grain white rice into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes slightly toasted for enhanced flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to mix everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and keep covered. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking. Fluff the rice carefully with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve the Cajun sausage and rice warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Substitute andouille sausage, kielbasa, or chorizo for flavor variation.
- Add diced tomatoes or frozen peas for extra vegetables and color.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
