Easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Enjoy a taste of Louisiana with this easy Cajun sausage and rice skillet! Spicy sausage, tender rice, and flavorful vegetables cook together in one pan for a simple and delicious meal with minimal cleanup. This homemade recipe is ready in about 30 minutes!

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Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 lb smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Equipment:

• Large skillet with a lid

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and smoked paprika over the sausage and vegetables. Stir well to coat. Add the undrained diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
3. Add Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice.
4. Simmer the Skillet: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with the lid, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during the simmering process to ensure the rice cooks properly.
5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and become perfectly tender.
6. Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley (if using). Serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Sausage Choice: Andouille sausage will provide the most authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even chicken sausage will also work well.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped celery, corn kernels (canned or frozen), or okra. Add them along with the bell peppers and onions.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended for this cooking method. Other types of rice may require adjustments to the liquid and cooking time. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for a less sticky result.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end of cooking. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (like cheddar or a Colby-Jack blend) over the top during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Protein: You can add cooked shrimp or chicken to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for extra protein.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet! It's a fantastic one-pan meal that's sure to become a new favorite.