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Close-up of cajun sausage and rice skillet with sliced andouille sausage, bell peppers, and herbs in a cast iron pan.

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet (Bold, Spicy, and One-Pan Comfort)

Derek
This bold and flavorful Cajun sausage and rice skillet is a one-pan comfort meal made with smoky andouille sausage, tender seasoned rice, and colorful bell peppers. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together fast and delivers Southern-inspired flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd—this skillet hits all the right notes for spice, texture, and hearty satisfaction.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Cajun-Inspired, Southern-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 14 oz andouille sausage or smoked sausage of choice

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced

Dry Goods

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth low sodium

Seasoning & Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning or to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: dash of cayenne for extra heat

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Sausage
    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté the Veggies
    In the same skillet, add peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Toast the Spices
    Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Add Rice & Liquids
    Stir in rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), and broth. Bring to a simmer.
  • Cover and Cook
    Lower heat and cover. Let simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  • Finish with Sausage
    Return sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine. Heat for 2-3 more minutes.
  • Serve
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

  1. Sear the Sausage First: Don’t skip this step! Searing andouille or smoked sausage until it crisps at the edges releases flavorful oils into the pan, forming the base for a richer, smokier rice.
  2. Toast the Rice Before Adding Liquid: Give your uncooked rice a quick sauté in the sausage drippings and aromatics before adding broth. This step brings a nutty, slightly chewy bite that elevates any one-pan Cajun rice dish.
  3. Bloom Your Spices in Oil: Let your Cajun seasoning blend toast for 30–60 seconds in the hot pan before adding liquids. It activates essential oils in the spices, intensifying the dish’s overall flavor and aroma.
  4. Use Stock, Not Water: Replace water with low-sodium chicken broth or even vegetable stock. This adds depth to your spicy sausage rice skillet and gives the grains a savory backbone that water just can’t match.
  5. Finish with Acid and Fresh Herbs: Right before serving, splash a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar over the skillet and sprinkle in chopped parsley or green onions. It balances the richness and makes the flavors pop—especially helpful in a comfort food skillet dinner.
  6. Let It Rest Before Serving: After cooking, cover the skillet and let it sit off-heat for 5–10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming, absorb the last of the broth, and fluff up perfectly.
  7. Make It a Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a grain-free Cajun skillet meal that still brings the heat and flavor.
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