Go Back
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed under cold water - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spiciness) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Other protein options: You can swap the smoked sausage for chicken or shrimp. - Additional vegetables: Try adding corn or zucchini for extra flavor. - Adjusting spice levels: Add more cayenne for heat or skip it for milder flavor. This mix of ingredients creates a rich and tasty dish. The smoked sausage pairs well with the veggies and spices. You can make this dish your own by switching out proteins or adding your favorite vegetables. The key is to keep the balance of flavors. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. 1. Heating the olive oil: Start by pouring one tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. This step helps to create a nice base for the dish. 2. Sautéing onions and garlic: Next, add one medium onion, finely diced. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Sauté for one minute until it smells great. 3. Incorporating bell peppers: Now, toss in one diced red bell pepper and one diced green bell pepper. Cook them for 4-5 minutes. This makes the veggies tender and adds color to your skillet. 4. Adding the smoked sausage: It's time to add in one cup of sliced smoked sausage, like Andouille. Cook this for about 5 minutes. You want the sausage to brown and heat through. 5. Toasting the rice: Carefully add one cup of rinsed long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir well to mix it with the sausage and veggies. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring often. This step adds a nice flavor. 6. Combining with liquids and seasonings: Pour in two cups of chicken broth and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained. Add one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well. 7. Simmering the dish: Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. The rice will soak up all the liquid and get soft. 8. Fluffing rice and garnishing: After cooking, take the skillet off the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions and chopped parsley on top for a fresh look. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! - Importance of rinsing rice: Rinsing rice removes extra starch. This helps keep the rice from getting sticky. You want each grain to be separate and fluffy. - Adjusting liquid ratios: Use 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice. This ratio helps the rice cook well. If you use brown rice, add more liquid as it needs more time to cook. - Monitoring simmering time: Keep an eye on the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes. This gives the rice time to soak up the flavors. - Recommended Cajun seasoning brands: I recommend using Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's. They pack a lot of flavor and spice. - Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime brightens the dish. It adds a nice zing and balances the spices. - Experimenting with different herbs: Try adding thyme or oregano. These herbs give a fresh taste and boost the flavor. - How to present the dish: Serve the Cajun Rice Skillet right from the pan for a rustic look. You can also plate it for a nicer touch. - Pairing with side dishes or drinks: Pair this dish with a crisp salad or cornbread. For drinks, try sweet tea or a light beer. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in Cajun Rice Skillet. If you want to use chicken, just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through, then add the other ingredients as usual. Shrimp is another tasty option. Add the shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay tender and juicy. For a vegetarian option, you can swap in beans or tofu. Black beans or kidney beans work well. Tofu adds a nice texture. Simply cube the tofu and sauté it until golden. Then, combine it with the veggies and rice. You can switch out white rice for brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the liquid and time. Use 2 ½ cups of broth and simmer for about 35-40 minutes. This change adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Seasonal vegetables can make your skillet even better. In summer, try zucchini or corn. In fall, add sweet potatoes or carrots. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. Cajun cuisine has many influences. You can mix in flavors from Creole cooking. This adds a touch of richness. For example, you might add a splash of cream or even some shrimp gumbo spices. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce or skip the heat. Everyone can enjoy Cajun Rice Skillet their own way. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store Cajun Rice Skillet, cool it quickly. Place it in shallow containers. This helps the dish cool evenly. Use airtight containers for best results. They keep moisture in and air out. If you have leftovers, they freeze well. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Divide it into portions for easy use. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, Cajun Rice Skillet lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to 2-3 months. Check for spoilage by looking for off smells or changes in color. If it seems off, don’t eat it. Always trust your senses! You can serve Cajun Rice Skillet with various sides. I like to pair it with a fresh green salad. Cornbread also adds a nice touch. You can try some avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. For drinks, iced tea or a light beer works well. Yes, you can make Cajun Rice Skillet ahead of time. Prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you are ready to eat. To make Cajun Rice Skillet spicier, add more cayenne pepper. You can also include diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Adjust the amount to match your spice preference. Tasting as you go is key to finding the right heat level. Yes, you can use other types of rice. Brown rice or jasmine rice are great options. Just keep in mind that cooking times will change. You may need to add more liquid and cook longer for brown rice. Cajun cuisine comes from the Acadian people in Louisiana. They were French settlers who adapted to local ingredients. Their dishes often feature rice, seafood, and spices. Cajun food is known for its bold flavors and hearty meals. It celebrates the unique culture and history of Louisiana. This blog post shared a simple, tasty Cajun Rice Skillet recipe. We covered the main ingredients, easy steps to cook, and ways to customize. Remember, you can swap proteins and veggies, or adjust spices to fit your taste. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure you enjoy leftovers safely. In the end, this dish is fun to make and perfect for sharing. Dive into the world of Cajun cooking and enjoy every bite!

Cajun Rice Skillet

Discover the magic of one-pan meals with this delicious Cajun Rice Skillet recipe! Packed with smoked sausage, fresh veggies, and vibrant spices, this flavorful dish delivers a hearty and satisfying dinner in no time. Perfect for busy nights or a new culinary adventure, it’s simple to customize with your favorite proteins and veggies. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy Cajun Rice Skillet - click through for the full recipe and start cooking today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced

1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed under cold water

2 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spiciness)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

    Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

        Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

          Incorporate the sliced smoked sausage, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and heated through.

            Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the sausage and vegetables. Toast the rice in the skillet for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

              Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

                Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

                  Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.

                    Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently.

                      Before serving, garnish the dish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 4 servings

                          - Presentation Tips: For a rustic dining experience, serve the Cajun Rice Skillet directly from the skillet. Alternatively, plate generous servings onto vibrant dinner plates. Add a few lime wedges on the side for an invigorating burst of flavor, and don't forget to sprinkle additional fresh parsley over the top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your flavorful creation!