Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are certain meals that I turn to when life gets a little chaotic, when I want something hearty, bold, and comforting—but without spending forever in the kitchen. Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those lifesaver recipes. It all started a few years ago when I had a busy week, a cold evening, and nothing but a single skillet and some leftover sausage in the refrigerator. I decided to throw a few Cajun spices into the pan with onions, peppers, sausage, and rice… and what came out was pure magic.
The dish quickly became one of my go-to weeknight favorites. It’s smoky, slightly spicy, rich, savory, and full of warm Southern charm. The combination of seared sausage, tender rice, and aromatics simmering in bold Cajun seasoning creates a meal that tastes like it took hours—yet it comes together surprisingly fast. And the best part? It all cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Whether you crave a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly recipe, or a dish that your family will request again and again, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen too.
Let’s dive into this flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.
Do you want more recipes?
Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe uses simple, accessible pantry staples. Exact measurements can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance and preference.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage (Andouille preferred; kielbasa works too)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked; jasmine or basmati also work)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp paprika (adds color and smokiness)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but adds depth)
- 2–3 tbsp oil (olive, vegetable, or butter)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- ½ cup diced celery (for true Cajun mirepoix)
- 1–2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- Hot sauce (for serving)
For Homemade Cajun Seasoning
If you want to make your own blend:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
Mix and store in an airtight container.
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a straightforward recipe, perfect even for beginners. And because everything cooks in one pan, the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before cooking, chop all your vegetables and slice the sausage into rounds. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and quick.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil.
- Place the sliced sausage into the hot skillet and brown both sides for 4–6 minutes.
This step adds richness and a deep smoky flavor—don’t rush it. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- To the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add onions and bell peppers (and celery if using).
- Sauté until soft—about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
This forms the flavorful base of the dish.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Rice
- Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Stir well.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat the grains in the spices and oil.
Toasting the rice slightly enhances its flavor and ensures fluffy grains later.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
- Add chicken broth, tomato paste, and salt/pepper.
- Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the browned sausage back into the skillet.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Avoid stirring too much to keep rice from becoming mushy.
Step 6: Fluff, Rest, and Finish
- Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff gently with a fork.
- Add spinach or shredded cheese if using.
And your flavorful one-pan Cajun meal is ready!
How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways.
1. On Its Own
It’s a complete meal—protein, veggies, and carbs in one skillet.
2. With a Fresh Side Salad
A crisp garden salad balances the heat and richness.
3. With Cornbread
Southern-style cornbread is a match made in heaven.
4. With Steamed Veggies
Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts pair well.
5. As a Meal Prep Bowl
Pack it into containers for a week of delicious lunches.
6. With Hot Sauce
Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce if you enjoy more heat.
Tips for the Best Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Want to take your dish from good to unforgettable? These tips help.
1. Choose the Right Sausage
Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky flavor, but kielbasa and beef sausage work too.
2. Don’t Skip Browning
The browning step builds flavor—it’s essential.
3. Toast the Rice
Stir the rice with spices before adding liquids for fluffier texture.
4. Don’t Lift the Lid While Cooking
Steam needs to stay trapped. Lifting the lid = mushy rice.
5. Add Tomatoes for Moisture
If your rice looks dry, adding a little tomato sauce or diced tomatoes helps.
6. Adjust Cajun Seasoning
Cajun spices range from mild to fiery—taste and adjust as needed.
7. Add Greens
Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be tossed in at the end for extra nutrients.
8. Avoid Over-Stirring
Stirring rice too often breaks the grains and causes stickiness.
9. Use Low-Sodium Broth
This ensures your dish doesn’t get too salty, especially with sausage.
10. Let It Rest
A 5-minute rest makes the rice fluffier and lets flavors meld.
Variations of Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
One of the best things about this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is. Here are delicious ways to switch it up to suit your taste or pantry staples.
1. Cajun Chicken and Rice
Replace sausage with diced chicken thighs for a leaner version.
2. Shrimp Cajun Rice Skillet
Add shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
3. Sausage, Rice, and Beans
Add a cup of black beans or red beans for extra protein and fiber.
4. Cajun Veggie Rice Skillet
Skip the meat entirely and add:
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Peas
5. Spicy Version
Add more cayenne or toss in sliced jalapeños.
6. Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for richness.
7. Cheesy Cajun Skillet
Add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
8. Tomato-Based Cajun Rice
Add canned diced tomatoes for a saucier version.
9. Brown Rice Version
Use cooked brown rice and reduce broth accordingly.
10. Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice
Cook everything under high pressure for 6 minutes, then quick release.
FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions about Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe.
1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes—add cooked rice in the final stage and reduce broth to ½ cup.
2. Is this dish spicy?
It depends on your Cajun seasoning. Most blends are mildly spicy, but you can adjust heat.
3. Can I freeze Cajun sausage and rice?
Absolutely. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat with a splash of broth.
4. What type of sausage works best?
Andouille is ideal but any smoked sausage works.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese.
6. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice needs more liquid and longer cooking time.
7. Why is my rice mushy?
Too much stirring, too much liquid, or lifting the lid during cooking.
8. Can kids eat this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely—use a mild Cajun blend or reduce cayenne.
9. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes—frozen peas or mixed veggies work well.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about a dish that’s unfussy yet incredibly flavorful—one that brings comfort, warmth, and bold Southern character to the dinner table without requiring a marathon cooking session. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe.
It’s smoky, spicy (if you want it to be), hearty, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together after a long day and still feel like you cooked something amazing. And with endless variations, you can customize it to use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to try something new with big flavor and little fuss, this one-pan Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.
I hope this dish brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine.
Happy cooking—and enjoy every bold, delicious bite!