Ultimate Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Ultimate Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
This Cajun sausage rice skillet brings the bold flavors of Louisiana right to your dinner table in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder combines smoky andouille sausage with perfectly cooked rice and a vibrant mix of vegetables, all seasoned with authentic Cajun spices. The best part? Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor.
If you love easy skillet meals, you’ll also enjoy our Cajun chicken sausage rice skillet for another delicious variation on this classic theme.
Ingredients
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Expert Tips
Choose the Right Sausage: Andouille sausage provides the authentic smoky flavor, but you can use any smoked sausage variety. For a different twist, try our cowboy butter chicken pasta which uses a similar one-pan cooking method.
Rice Selection: Long-grain white rice works best as it absorbs flavors well without becoming mushy. Don’t lift the lid during cooking to ensure proper steaming.
Spice Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level. The Cajun seasoning already contains some heat, so taste as you go.
Make it a Complete Meal: Serve this skillet with a fresh side salad like our green bean feta salad for a balanced dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and may need additional liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more moisture.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, corn, or okra would be excellent additions. Just add them when you sauté the other vegetables. For more vegetable inspiration, check out our honey glazed carrots and green beans recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is adjustable. Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste. The andouille sausage itself has some heat, so keep that in mind when seasoning.
Ultimate Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
