Introduction

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dish packed with smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and fluffy rice — all seasoned with bold Cajun spices. It’s the perfect comfort food that brings the flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen without hours of cooking.

The combination of tender vegetables, savory sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a meal that’s satisfying enough for dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight. And because it’s made in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the definition of bold, hearty comfort food that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. The smoky sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful peppers come together with Cajun seasoning to create layers of flavor in every bite—spicy, savory, and just a little smoky. It’s one of those meals that wakes up your taste buds and feels satisfying without being fussy.

Another reason I love it is how one-pan easy it is. Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner. It’s the perfect balance of quick weeknight cooking and big, crowd-pleasing flavor.

I also love how versatile it is—you can make it as spicy or mild as you like, use your favorite sausage, or even toss in extra veggies you have on hand. It’s comforting, colorful, and filling enough to stand on its own, but also pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad.

Most of all, I love how this dish feels like a little trip to Louisiana right at my table. It’s a recipe that brings people together and makes dinnertime exciting, every single time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With smoky sausage, fluffy rice, and sweet bell peppers all infused with Cajun spices, every bite bursts with a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in one skillet, making it as practical as it is delicious.

It’s also the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or cooking for friends, this recipe satisfies both comfort food cravings and adventurous taste buds. The bright peppers add freshness and color, while the sausage brings hearty, stick-to-your-ribs flavor.

Beyond its flavor, this recipe is a must-try for its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, swap in different proteins, or even make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste.

In short, this skillet meal is bold, comforting, and adaptable—everything you want in a go-to recipe. If you’re looking for a dish that combines Southern flair, quick cooking, and satisfying comfort, this one definitely deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal

Ingredients

For the Skillet

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz (340 g) smoked Cajun sausage (andouille preferred), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Sauté the sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the rice

1. Add rinsed rice to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat it in the oil and flavors.

Step 4: Add liquids and seasonings

1. Pour in chicken broth.
2. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Finish and serve

1. Stir sausage back into the skillet and heat through for 2 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Pair with a side salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal.
• Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of sausage.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Rice Option: Substitute brown rice (increase cooking time to ~40 minutes).
• Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne based on heat preference.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, store in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if dry.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife for slicing vegetables and sausage

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, just reduce the broth to ½ cup and skip the simmering time.

Q2: Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat; you can add cayenne for more spice or use a mild blend.

Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetarian sausage or extra veggies and vegetable broth.

Q4: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven.

Conclusion

This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet with Peppers and Onions is the perfect weeknight meal — quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With its one-pan convenience, customizable ingredients, and bold seasoning, it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again. Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.