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.
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)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
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2Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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3Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables and sausage evenly.
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4Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
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5Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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6Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fluff the rice, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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