Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet – A Fast, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner under 30 minutes

Some dinners don’t need a story. They just show up when you need them most. This Cajun sausage and rice skillet was that kind of recipe for me.

It was a weeknight. I had one clean pan, a few sausages in the fridge, and a craving for something warm and spicy. I grabbed a bell pepper, some rice, and a jar of Cajun seasoning. Thirty minutes later, we were sitting down to a dinner that felt like way more effort than it was. Everyone loved it. And the best part? Just one pan to wash.

This has become one of my go-to meals when I’m short on time but still want something real and satisfying. If you like bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and cozy dinners, I think you’ll like this too.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (andouille, kielbasa, or chicken sausage work well)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Servings & Time

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the sausage
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Let it get a little crispy and brown on both sides.

Tip: Don’t skip this step. Browning the sausage adds great flavor to the whole dish.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add rice and spices
Pour in the rice and stir well. This helps coat the rice in the oil and sausage flavor. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Add broth and tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir once, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid.

Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Tip: Keep the lid on while cooking. If the rice is still firm at the end, add a little more broth and let it simmer a few more minutes.

Step 5: Let it rest and serve
Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This lets the rice finish cooking with steam.

Fluff with a fork and top with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if you’d like.

Why I Love This Meal try you love it too

This is the kind of dish that feels like you worked harder than you did. It has bold, cozy flavors and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It fills everyone up and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. For busy evenings or days when you’re just too tired to think, this recipe saves you.

It also reheats well and makes great leftovers. I often double the batch if I know the next day will be busy.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg

This is an estimate and will vary depending on your sausage and broth.

Simple Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use a plant-based sausage and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• More heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce at the end.
• More veggies: Stir in spinach, corn, or zucchini in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Use brown rice: Increase the broth to 2 ¾ cups and cook for 35–40 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I use leftover rice instead of uncooked rice?
Yes. Cut the broth down to about 1/4 cup. Cook everything in the skillet first, then stir in the cooked rice at the end and warm it through.

Is it spicy?
Cajun seasoning usually has some heat, but not too much. If you’re worried, start with less and add more at the end if needed.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to a month. Reheat in a pan with a splash of broth or water.

What sausage is best?
Smoked andouille gives it a classic Cajun flavor. Chicken sausage or kielbasa also work well.

My Thoughts

There are nights when all I want is to feed my family something warm, filling, and made in less than half an hour. This skillet checks every box. It’s bold, satisfying, and makes you feel like you cooked something special without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.

If you try it, let me know. I always love hearing how these recipes work for you.

Happy cooking,
– Jessica from
easyyummyrecipe.com