Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet – Easy One-Pan Meal

Craving bold Cajun flavors without the fuss? This Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet delivers a hearty, zesty meal all in one pan! It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and packed with delicious ingredients your whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.
2. Add onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes (undrained), uncooked rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
6. Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving.