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Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet - One Pan Bold Flavor Dinner

This quick and flavorful Cajun sausage rice skillet comes together in one pan with smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice. The dish delivers bold Louisiana flavors in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound smoked beef sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the rice and spices.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Choose smoked beef sausage for authentic flavor, toast rice with spices before adding liquid for deeper flavor, resist stirring rice while cooking for fluffy grains, adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.