Description
If you’re craving something hearty, bold, and comforting, this Cajun Sausage & Rice will hit the spot every time. It’s a creamy one-pan meal filled with smoky sausage, tender rice, melty cheese, and the perfect touch of Cajun spice. Ideal for quick dinners, easy meal prep, or when you’re in need of dinner ideas that pack serious flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re exploring spicy food ideas or just love a good, easy recipe with bold flavors, this is a must-try for your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra color)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and brown on both sides for about 4–5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir and toast for 1–2 minutes to release flavor.
4. Pour in chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts into a creamy texture.
7. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and combine. Let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Don’t skip browning the sausage—it adds rich depth to the whole dish.
You can mix in chopped bell peppers or tomatoes to add more texture and nutrition.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of total)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg