Name: One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced; 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Hey y’all! If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just one pot, this One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy smoked sausage, tender rice, and crisp bell peppers are simmered in zesty Cajun spices for a dish that’s smoky, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want to impress at a potluck. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in a single pot for ultimate convenience.

Packed with bold Cajun flavors that wake up your taste buds.
Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.

Family-friendly and great for meal prep—leftovers taste amazing!

Ingredients for One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz (400g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade; see spice blend ideas)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the same pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until veggies are softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add Rice and Spices

Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes, letting it toast lightly. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using). Mix well to coat the rice and veggies with spices.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Notes for the Best One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Use a good quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor—Andouille or kielbasa work great (learn more about sausage types).

If your rice is not quite tender at 20 minutes, add a splash of broth and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
For a lower-carb option, try swapping rice for cauliflower rice; adjust cooking time accordingly (see nutritional info).

Variations on One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Cajun Chicken and Rice: Swap sausage for cubed chicken breast or thighs.

Shrimp Cajun Rice: Add raw shrimp in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Vegetarian Cajun Rice: Skip the sausage, double up the veggies, and use vegetable broth.

Equipment Needed for One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Large Dutch oven or deep skillet with lid

Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Store One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Serving Recommendations and Pairings for One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Pair with cornbread or garlic bread for extra comfort.
A cold lager or iced tea makes a refreshing beverage alongside this spicy dish.

Pro Tips for One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Let the rice rest off-heat for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Use homemade Cajun seasoning for a personalized flavor punch (simple recipe here).
For extra smokiness, try adding a dash of liquid smoke with the broth.

One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?: Yes, but increase the broth to 3 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
How spicy is this recipe?: The spiciness is mild to medium, but you can adjust the heat by changing the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
Can I make this One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice ahead of time?: Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be made up to 2 days in advance; just add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist.