Savor the flavors of the South with this One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice Delight! This easy and delicious recipe combines spicy Cajun sausage with colorful veggies and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a hearty meal that bursts with flavor!
1 lb (450g) Cajun chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced into small pieces
1 large onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices
2 ½ cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
. This dish packs a punch and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. First, you need to heat the olive oil. Pour the olive oil into a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium. Wait until the oil shimmers. Next, add the sliced Cajun chicken sausage to the hot skillet. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to brown nicely on the edges. Stir often to cook evenly. Now it's time for the veggies! Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook these for 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently until the vegetables soften and the onion turns clear. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well for about 1 minute. This lets the spices wake up and coat the sausage and veggies. Then, add the rinsed long-grain rice. Mix everything well and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Make sure to include all the juices from the tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check that the rice is tender and has soaked up most of the liquid. After that, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for 5 more minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and mix in the sausage and veggies. Garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy this flavorful dish from the Full Recipe! Adjust the simmering time to get the rice just right. If you want softer rice, let it simmer a bit longer. The rice should be tender and absorb most of the liquid. Keep the lid on during cooking. This helps the steam cook the rice evenly. Want more kick? You can increase the Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce. This dish is all about taste, so make it your own. Spice can really bring out the flavors of the sausage and veggies. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Using images or videos can help you follow the steps. Seeing how each stage looks can make cooking easier. If you can, check out visual guides for tips on chopping or cooking times. This can boost your confidence in the kitchen. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. {{image_4}} You can swap the Cajun chicken sausage for shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian sausage. Each option gives a new taste. Shrimp cooks fast, adding a light touch. Chicken offers a milder flavor, perfect for picky eaters. Vegetarian sausage works well for a plant-based meal, keeping the dish hearty. Long-grain white rice is great, but you can also use brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy choice. Quinoa cooks faster and is packed with protein. Both options can change the dish’s texture and flavor while keeping it delicious. Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or corn. Zucchini brings a fresh crunch, while corn adds sweetness. You can also try peas or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Mixing in more veggies makes this dish even more vibrant and nutritious. Explore what you love! To store leftovers, let the dish cool. Transfer it into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just take it out and reheat. If you want to freeze the dish, follow these steps. First, cool it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. This method helps prevent freezer burn. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, you have a few options. The best way is to use the stove. Pour the dish into a pan and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the rice fluffy and moist. You can also use the microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it warms evenly. For the best taste, I recommend reheating it on the stove. For the full recipe, check out One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It is great for meal prep. To do this, cook the One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice, then cool it quickly. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm it in a pan or microwave. This dish can be gluten-free! The main ingredients are all gluten-free. Ensure the chicken sausage and chicken broth you choose are gluten-free. Some brands may add gluten as a filler. Always check the label to be safe. You can also use gluten-free rice if you want to be extra careful. If you want a milder dish, you can adjust the spice level. Start with less Cajun seasoning, maybe half a tablespoon. You can add more later if needed. Another option is to skip the smoked paprika, as it adds some heat. You can also use sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor. Adding more tomatoes can also help tone down the spice. This blog post covered a simple yet tasty dish with Cajun chicken sausage, rice, and veggies. You learned how to prepare the ingredients, cook them step by step, and make it your own with various tips. Remember, adjusting spices and cooking times is key to your perfect meal. You can store leftovers easily and even make this dish ahead of time. Enjoy the cooking process and share your creations with others. Cooking is about fun and flavor, so dive in and make it yours!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cc887721-9ec8-4651-8b2a-a3e0e4d5e2c5-300x300.webp)