There's nothing quite like the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine coming together in one easy, satisfying dish. This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is packed with smoky sausage, tender rice, and a medley of colorful peppers and onions, all seasoned with classic Cajun spices for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

I first whipped up this skillet meal on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, hearty, and full of spice. Since then, it has become a staple in our dinner rotation, thanks to its simple ingredients and effortless cleanup. Plus, it's the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day!

Why You'll Love This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious! This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

One-Pan Simplicity – Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.

Bold Cajun Flavors – A blend of smoked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices gives this dish its irresistible taste.

Quick and Easy – From start to finish, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on hectic evenings.

Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or throw in extra veggies to make it your own.

With all these perks, this skillet meal is bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet comes from its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

Smoked Sausage – The heart of this dish, smoked sausage adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices. Andouille sausage is a great choice, but any smoked sausage will work.

Long-Grain White Rice – The key to fluffy, non-sticky rice is using long-grain rice. It absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

Bell Peppers & Onion – These vegetables add natural sweetness and crunch, balancing the heat from the Cajun seasoning beautifully. A mix of red, green, and yellow peppers creates a vibrant presentation.

Cajun Seasoning – This spice blend is essential for authentic flavor. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.

Chicken Broth – Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water infuses the dish with even more depth of flavor, making every bite rich and satisfying.

You’ll also need a large skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking and perfect rice texture.

How To Make This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Creating this bold and hearty skillet meal is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a flawless dish every time.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in sliced smoked sausage. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers and onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. The goal here is to bring out their natural sweetness while soaking up the smoky flavors left behind by the sausage.

Next, stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, letting the spices toast for about 30 seconds. This quick step intensifies their flavors and gives the whole dish a deep, aromatic warmth.

Now, add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir it well to coat each grain with the seasoned oil. This helps the rice absorb all the incredible flavors as it cooks. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Return the browned sausage to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the broth. Resist the urge to stir too much during this step, as it can make the rice mushy.

Once the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork and serve hot. You can top it with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this dish stores beautifully for easy meals later in the week.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day.

Freeze: If you want to freeze it, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is endlessly adaptable! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Swap the Protein – Not a fan of sausage? Try using diced chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based sausage alternative.

Adjust the Spice – For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild smoked sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning.

Use Brown Rice – If you want a healthier twist, swap white rice for brown rice. Just note that you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add extra broth.

Make It Cheesy – Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Add More Veggies – Toss in diced tomatoes, okra, or even black beans for extra texture and flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Cajun skillet meal is guaranteed to be a hit at your table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!