Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe

This Cajun sausage rice skillet is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful, satisfying meal without the cleanup. With smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice all coming together in one pan, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The best part? You’ll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!

If you love easy one-pan meals, you’ll also enjoy our Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta for another quick dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef or chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the rice and spices.

Step 4: Pour in 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 rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

For more skillet meal inspiration, try our Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Choose the right sausage: Look for beef or chicken sausage with Cajun seasoning for authentic flavor
• Don’t skip toasting the rice: This step adds depth of flavor and helps prevent mushy rice
• Adjust the spice level: Start with less Cajun seasoning if you prefer milder heat, then add more to taste
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld
• Make it your own: Add corn, okra, or kidney beans for extra texture and nutrition

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side like our Garlic Butter Green Beans with Mushrooms.

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 requires longer cooking and more moisture.

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Most commercial blends provide moderate heat. For milder flavor, use half the seasoning and add more after tasting.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This skillet meal reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve with this Cajun skillet?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad. For dessert, try our Classic Oatmeal Cookies.

This Cajun sausage rice skillet is perfect for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The combination of smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a comforting meal that will become a family favorite!

Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe

This Cajun sausage rice skillet is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful, satisfying meal without the cleanup. With smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice all coming together in one pan, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef or chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the rice and spices.
4. Pour in 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 rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Choose the right sausage: Look for beef or chicken sausage with Cajun seasoning for authentic flavor. Don’t skip toasting the rice: This step adds depth of flavor and helps prevent mushy rice. Let it rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.