Description
Zesty Cajun sausage and rice skillet brings spicy Southern comfort to dinner tables. Hearty Louisiana-style ingredients combine for a quick, flavorful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Sear andouille sausage in hot skillet over medium-high heat until caramelized edges develop, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate aromatic trinity of onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce long-grain rice, creating a golden toasted layer by stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor profile.
- Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into skillet, seasoning generously with robust Cajun spice blend, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring liquid to rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering skillet tightly with lid to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and develop perfect tender texture.
- Gently fold in vibrant green peas during final 2 minutes of cooking, providing burst of color and additional nutrition.
- Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with fork to separate grains.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, serving immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning for milder or more intense flavor profiles.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and make the dish heart-healthier.
- Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that maintains the recipe’s vibrant Cajun essence.
- Ensure sausage browns evenly by avoiding overcrowding the skillet, allowing proper caramelization and developing rich, deep flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg