There’s something magical about a one-skillet dinner that’s bold, comforting, and effortlessly satisfying — the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with smoky spice, sizzling sausage, and warm aromatics long before you even take your first bite. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s hearty, deeply flavorful, and designed to make weeknight dinners feel exciting again without piling up dishes.
With smoky andouille sausage, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, and a blend of Cajun spices, every bite delivers heat, richness, and balance. It’s the kind of dish that feels slow-cooked, yet comes together quickly in a single pan. Even better, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
This skillet is rooted in the comforting flavors of Southern cooking — bold, soulful, and full of personality — but made simple and approachable for everyday cooking. Whether you’re feeding your family or stocking the fridge for the week, this skillet is the ultimate blend of convenience and crave-worthy flavor.
Why This Cajun Skillet Wins Every Time
This dish is a weeknight staple for good reason:
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One skillet = minimal cleanup
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Loaded with protein, vegetables, and carbs for a complete meal
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Full of Cajun warmth and spice
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Ready in under 40 minutes
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Budget-friendly and meal-prep approved
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Works with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based links
It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down — just big flavor in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
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Cutting board & sharp knife
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Lid for the skillet
Ingredients for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Main Ingredients
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1 lb smoked andouille sausage, sliced
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt to taste
Cajun Seasoning Blend
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice level)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
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1 cup sliced celery
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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½ cup frozen peas
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Fresh parsley for topping
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Hot sauce for serving
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 35–40 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
How to Make Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet
Step 1. Sear the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides — this step builds deep, smoky flavor.
Step 2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage. Cook until the vegetables soften and become lightly caramelized.
Step 3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir in the tomato paste. This wakes up the spices and gives the dish an earthy, rich base.
Step 4. Add Rice and Broth
Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the flavorful mixture. Add chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 5. Cover and Cook
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid — the steam cooks the rice perfectly.
Step 6. Fluff and Finish
Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, fold in parsley or peas, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 420–520
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Protein: 17–23g
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Carbohydrates: 38–46g
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Fat: 20–28g
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Fiber: 2–4g
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Sugar: 3–5g
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Sodium: 800–1200mg (varies based on sausage)
Recipe Tips for the Best Flavor
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Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun depth.
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Toast the rice briefly in the skillet for richer flavor.
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Don’t rush the simmering stage — undisturbed cooking ensures fluffy rice.
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Add celery for a more classic Louisiana-style base.
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Use fire-roasted tomatoes if adding canned tomatoes for extra smokiness.
Flavor Variations
Creamy Cajun Version
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
Spicy Lovers’ Version
Add sliced jalapeños or increase the cayenne.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add zucchini, mushrooms, or kale during the sauté step.
Chicken & Sausage Version
Brown 1 cup diced chicken before adding sausage for more protein.
Serving Suggestions
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Simple green salad
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Cornbread or garlic toast
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Sautéed greens
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Coleslaw
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Roasted vegetables
It also makes an incredible next-day lunch — the flavors intensify beautifully overnight.
If you love hassle-free dinners during the week, you may also like Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta, Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole, or Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides — this step builds deep, smoky flavor.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage. Cook until the vegetables soften and become lightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir in the tomato paste. This wakes up the spices and gives the dish an earthy, rich base.
- Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the flavorful mixture. Add chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid — the steam cooks the rice perfectly.
- Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, fold in parsley or peas, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is everything you want from a one-pan dinner — bold flavor, hearty texture, simple steps, and easy cleanup. It’s the kind of meal you make once and immediately add to your weeknight rotation because it hits the perfect balance of convenience and unforgettable flavor. Whether you like it mild, spicy, meaty, or veggie-packed, this skillet adapts beautifully to your kitchen and your cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the broth and cook longer (40–45 minutes).
2. Is this dish very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust cayenne or choose mild sausage for a gentler flavor.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — everything in the base recipe is naturally dairy-free.
4. Can I freeze Cajun sausage and rice?
Yes. Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
5. What’s the best sausage to use?
Smoked andouille is traditional, but chicken sausage, kielbasa, or plant-based links also work.
6. Can I add shrimp?
Yes — stir in raw shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll steam perfectly.