Description
Hearty Cajun sausage and rice skillet delivers robust Louisiana flavors with spicy andouille sausage, bell peppers, and aromatic rice. Families will savor this one-pan meal that brings Creole comfort directly to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 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, chopped
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/410 grams) diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Sear sliced sausage in a heated skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano over the vegetables, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Introduce rice to the skillet, toasting it for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet, creating a flavorful liquid base.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Return seared sausage to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Cover and allow to cook for 15-17 minutes, or until rice becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking for added color and texture.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun seasoning intensity by adding more or less to suit personal heat tolerance.
- Easily substitute sausage with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Use long-grain white rice for traditional texture, or try brown rice for added nutritional value and nutty flavor.
- This skillet method minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor infusion through sequential cooking techniques.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg