Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet with Peppers and Onions
Spice up dinner with this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet with Peppers and Onions! A quick, one-pan meal packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet recipe is hearty, flavorful, and family.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the sausage Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.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 In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Toast the rice 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 : Pour in chicken broth.Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Simmer : Bring the mixture to a boil. 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 : Stir sausage back into the skillet and heat through for 2 minutes.Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.