Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet (View Print Version)

A skillet of sausage, rice, and vegetables simmers in Cajun spices for a delicious and colorful main course.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 12 oz smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Grains

07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Oils & Garnishes

17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
19 - 2 spring onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
04 - Stir in rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast the grains.
05 - Add drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if desired. Combine thoroughly.
06 - Return browned sausage to skillet and bring mixture to a simmer.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
08 - Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
09 - Sprinkle chopped parsley and sliced spring onions on top before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses only one pan so cleanup is a breeze
  • Easy to adapt the spice level to your taste
  • Great way to use up veggies you have on hand
  • Ready in about 45 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
02 -
  • High in protein and satisfying for dinner or meal prep
  • Naturally gluten free if you check your sausage and spice labels
  • Keeps well for several days and makes wonderful leftovers
03 -
  • Toast your rice briefly in the pan before adding liquid for the best texture
  • If your skillet lid does not fit tightly cover pan with foil before adding the lid to trap steam more effectively
  • Always taste your Cajun seasoning before adding sometimes it is saltier or hotter than you expect so adjust the salt and cayenne to your liking
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