Spicy Homestyle Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this cajun sausage and rice skillet that delivers bold flavors in one pan.

Weeknight cooking demands smart solutions for busy households.

Andouille sausage brings authentic Louisiana heat to every delicious bite.

Hearty ingredients combine seamlessly, creating a meal that satisfies hunger and sparks conversation.

Our no-fuss approach means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive dish that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of new orleans with just one forkful.

Store Sausage Rice Skillet For Another Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until thoroughly warm, about 5-7 minutes.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

What to Dish Up with Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Spice Up Your Pairing: Bold Zinfandel wine complements the spicy Cajun flavors, cutting through the richness of the sausage with its peppery undertones.
• Cool Down the Heat: Crisp citrus-infused iced tea balances the Cajun seasoning's intensity, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the skillet's bold spices.
• Southern Comfort Match: Creamy coleslaw serves as a perfect side dish, offering a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy rice and sausage mixture.
• Beer Buddy Boost: Amber ale or Louisiana-style craft beer enhances the dish's hearty Cajun profile, matching the smokiness of the sausage with its malty character.

Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet with Bold Flavor Blends

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or firm tofu crumbles, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates, maintain the same spices and cooking method for a lighter meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure Cajun seasoning is gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth, and check sausage ingredients for gluten content.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute sausage with shrimp or andouille seafood sausage for a coastal-inspired Louisiana-style dish, keeping the same spice profile and cooking technique.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning, and can I make it at home?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend typically made with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and dried herbs. You can easily create your own mix by combining these spices in your kitchen.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning and sausage you use. For less heat, choose a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. For more kick, use a spicier version or add extra cayenne pepper.

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Andouille sausage is traditional in Cajun cooking and provides the most authentic flavor. However, you can also use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage as delicious alternatives.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free rice and ensure your Cajun seasoning and sausage are gluten-free. Check labels carefully to confirm ingredient compatibility.

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet: Bold And Hearty In Every Bite

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: One-pan dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dinner in under 30 minutes.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat preference, making it perfect for everyone from mild to wild palates.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Hearty, satisfying skillet combines protein, rice, and vegetables in a single delicious meal kids and adults will love.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Single-skillet cooking means less washing up, saving time and energy after a busy day's cooking.

Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet Prep Items

• Smoked Sausage: Provides rich, smoky flavor and protein for the dish, choose a high-quality Cajun or andouille style sausage for authentic taste.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Serves as the base carbohydrate, absorbs flavors and creates a hearty meal foundation.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rice, low-sodium option recommended for better seasoning control.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and moisture, undrained for extra liquid and texture in the skillet.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Classic Cajun trinity vegetables that provide sweetness and depth, green bell pepper preferred for traditional flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Provides signature spicy and complex flavor profile, store-bought or homemade works well.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances smoky notes and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to finish the dish.

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Prep Guide

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Slide sausage slices into the pan and cook until they develop a rich, golden-brown color.

Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Bell pepper

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the fragrance to bloom.

Step 3: Toast The Rice And Spices

• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and toast the ingredients for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.

Step 4: Create The Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine And Simmer

Return the browned sausage to the skillet.

Cover and reduce heat to low.

Let the dish cook for 20 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Remove the skillet from heat.

Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, hearty meal.

Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet With Flavor and Spice Tips

• Get a perfect golden-brown sear by ensuring sausage slices are dry before adding to the hot skillet, which helps develop rich caramelization.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on personal heat preference – start with less and add more gradually to customize the dish's spiciness.
• Use long-grain white rice for best results, and avoid stirring too much during cooking to prevent sticky, mushy texture and maintain separate grains.
• Swap sausage with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives to create versatile meal variations while keeping the Cajun flavor profile.
• Clean up becomes a breeze since everything cooks in a single skillet, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal kitchen mess.

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Cajun sausage and rice skillet brings Louisiana’s bold flavors right to your dinner table. Hearty ingredients dance together in one pan, creating a quick, satisfying meal loaded with zesty Creole-inspired charm you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
• 1 12 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Fire up a spacious cast-iron skillet and coat the surface with olive oil over medium-high temperature.
2. Slice andouille sausage into uniform half-moons, then sear until golden-brown edges develop, creating crispy caramelization.
3. Transfer sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind flavorful remnants in the skillet.
4. Dice aromatic onions and vibrant bell peppers into consistent, small cubes.
5. Introduce chopped vegetables into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness.
6. Mince fresh garlic and quickly tumble into the vegetable mixture, stirring to prevent burning.
7. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper directly onto the vegetables, creating an intense flavor base.
8. Add long-grain rice, stirring to coat each grain with the spice-infused mixture.
9. Pour in rich chicken broth and zesty diced tomatoes, creating a fragrant liquid foundation.
10. Gently reintroduce seared sausage back into the skillet, nestling the pieces throughout the rice.
11. Reduce heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the dish to simmer until rice becomes tender and liquid is absorbed.
12. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then fluff rice with a fork.
13. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, sharp finish before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning for heat-sensitive palates.
• Choose andouille or smoked sausage for authentic Cajun flavor depth.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and texture variation.
• Enhance dish with additional vegetables like celery or okra for more complex flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg