One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

This One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice is a comforting, spicy, and savory meal that brings Southern flavor straight to your kitchen. Loaded with smoky sausage, bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that requires just one pan and about 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, rich Cajun flavors in every bite
• One pot means easy cooking and cleanup
• Ready in under an hour—ideal for weeknights
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or protein
• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Andouille or Cajun-style smoked sausage
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Bell peppers (red and green), diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• Long grain white rice
• Chicken broth or stock
• Optional: celery, jalapeño, green onions, peas, or beans

directions

this recipe

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and brown until crisp on edges. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté diced onion and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavors.
4. Add uncooked rice, tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Stir well.
5. Return sausage to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until rice is tender.
6. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff rice with a fork, stir in optional green onions or peas, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Yield: Serves 4–6
• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Use brown rice for added fiber—add extra liquid and increase cook time
• Swap sausage for chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• Add extra vegetables like celery, zucchini, or spinach
• Make it spicy with added jalapeños or hot sauce
• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
• Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase both the broth and cooking time.

2. How spicy is this dish?

It’s moderately spicy depending on your Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your preference.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and use beans or tofu along with vegetable broth.

4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes—use sauté function for the first steps, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

5. Will the rice get mushy?

Not if you use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking.

6. Can I add other proteins?

Absolutely—shrimp, chicken, or even ground beef work well.

7. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

8. Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, just adjust the rice and liquid proportionately.

9. How should I store leftovers?

In airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.

10. What can I serve with this?

It’s a full meal on its own, but it pairs well with a green salad, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

One Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that brings together smoky sausage, spiced rice, and vibrant veggies—all cooked in one pan. It’s quick, easy, and flexible enough to suit your taste and pantry. Perfect for busy nights or batch cooking, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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