As an avid fan of robust Cajun flavors, I find immense comfort in hearty rice dishes. There’s an undeniable coziness that comes from a generous bowl of this Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth, perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying family dinner after a busy day.

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s designed for convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, especially during the back-to-school season, or for efficient fall meal prep. I’ve partnered with the American Dairy Association Mideast to bring you this protein-packed meal that you can feel great about serving to your loved ones. The magic truly happens with the creamy sauce, a delightful blend of cream, milk, and cheese, which perfectly complements the spicy Cajun seasoning and the comforting rice.

What’s even better? The leftovers of this Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet are often even more flavorful the next day, making it a fantastic option for packed lunches or quick reheated dinners. If you appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of one-pot meals, you absolutely must try this recipe. For more inspiration, explore other favorites like my One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta, Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, or this vibrant One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta.

If you’re eager to explore more Cajun-style cooking, don’t miss out on my Easy Cajun Shrimp, a flavorful One Pot Cajun Pasta, a hearty Cajun Pasta with Chicken Sausage, the perfectly seasoned Blackened Fish, and a classic Shrimp Creole recipe. Each offers a unique taste of the bayou, brought right to your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and satisfaction. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Explosion of Cajun Flavor: Get ready for a taste adventure! This dish is a symphony of flavors, starting with the deeply smoky and savory notes of pork sausage. It’s perfectly complemented by the sweetness of bell peppers, the pungent kick of onions and garlic, and the earthy undertones of celery. All these elements are brought together by a generous amount of authentic Cajun seasoning, which provides a warm, spicy heat that tantalizes the taste buds without overwhelming them. The creamy finish ties everything together beautifully, creating a harmonious and unforgettable flavor profile.
• Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! One of the biggest advantages of this Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet is that everything cooks in a single pan. From browning the sausage to simmering the rice and finishing with the creamy sauce, it all happens in one skillet. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also drastically cuts down on cleanup time, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without the hassle.
• Infinitely Adaptable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. While the core ingredients create a sensational dish, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or spicier. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or okra for more nutritional value and texture. You can even stir in leftover cooked chicken, switch up the type of sausage, or experiment with different cheeses. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to make this dish uniquely your own every time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This skillet meal shines as a make-ahead option. Its flavors deepen overnight, meaning leftovers are often even better than the fresh batch. Portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making healthy and delicious meals accessible even on your busiest days.

Essential Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this creamy Cajun sausage and rice skillet so exceptional. You’ll also find some helpful substitution ideas to ensure you can make this recipe no matter what’s in your pantry. For exact measurements and printable instructions, refer to the full recipe card below.

• Sausage – The star of our skillet! I highly recommend using a smoked sausage like Andouille sausage. This flavorful pork sausage is a cornerstone of Cajun cuisine, offering a smoky, spicy depth that perfectly complements the creamy rice. If Andouille is hard to find, a good quality kielbasa or any other well-seasoned smoked pork sausage will make an excellent substitute. You could also try chicken or turkey smoked sausage for a lighter alternative.
• Peppers – For a vibrant and flavorful base, I’ve chosen a mix of red bell pepper and orange bell peppers. These add sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the dish. Feel free to use any color bell pepper you prefer, including green or yellow peppers, which offer slightly different flavor profiles. Bell peppers, along with onion and celery, form what’s known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking, providing a foundational aromatic base.
• Seasoning – This is where the Cajun magic truly happens! I season the rice generously with salt, black pepper, and authentic Cajun or Creole seasoning. Remember, Cajun seasoning blends can vary in heat, so adjust the amount according to your spice preference. If you like a milder dish, start with less and add more to taste. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added.
• Tomatoes – To add a layer of tangy sweetness and depth, I use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. The roasting process intensifies their flavor and adds a subtle smoky note. If fire-roasted are unavailable, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine and will still contribute a lovely acidity to the dish.
• Rice – Long-grain white rice is my go-to for this skillet. Its texture cooks up perfectly, absorbing all the rich flavors of the sauce and seasonings. While white rice is recommended for its quick cooking time and consistency, you can experiment with other types. If using brown rice, note that it will require additional liquid (about 1 extra cup of broth) and a longer simmering time (approximately 35-40 minutes) to become tender.
• Cream & Milk – To achieve that irresistible creamy texture and rich flavor, heavy cream is essential. It contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel of the sauce. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half. If you’re looking for lactose-free options, choose a lactose-free heavy cream or milk to maintain the creaminess. The addition of 2% milk helps to balance the richness without sacrificing flavor.
• Cheese – A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese adds a wonderful savory depth and gooey, cheesy goodness to the skillet. Parmesan offers a sharp, salty flavor, while mozzarella brings a mild creaminess and excellent melt. I like to save a little extra of each to garnish the dish just before serving, adding a final touch of cheesy perfection.
• Aromatics & Greens – Fresh garlic and diced onion, along with chopped celery, form the aromatic base for this dish, building incredible flavor from the start. Fresh baby spinach is stirred in at the end, wilting gently into the creamy rice and adding a touch of vibrant green and healthy goodness.

How to Make This Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet Recipe

Get ready to create a masterpiece in just one pan! Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your creamy Cajun sausage and rice skillet. Remember to gather all your ingredients (mise en place) before you begin to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step 1. Brown the Sausage to Perfection: Begin by heating a large, sturdy skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully here for even heat distribution) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add your sliced Andouille or smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage pieces are beautifully browned and slightly crispy. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Remove the browned sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: In the same skillet, with the residual sausage fat (add a splash more olive oil if needed), add the minced garlic, diced onion, a generous amount of Cajun spice, salt, and black pepper. Sauté these aromatics for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the garlic and onion to become fragrant and slightly softened. Next, add the diced bell peppers and chopped celery (the “holy trinity”). Continue to sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are just tender-crisp but still retain some bite. This step builds the foundational flavor of your dish.

Step 3. Simmer the Rice with Tomatoes and Broth: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, the uncooked long-grain white rice, and the vegetable or chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook perfectly, absorbing all the delicious liquids and flavors. Ensure the rice is tender before proceeding.

Step 4. Wilt in the Fresh Spinach: Once the rice is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, remove the lid from the skillet. Add the fresh baby spinach to the hot rice mixture. Stir it gently until the spinach has fully wilted into the dish, adding a lovely freshness and vibrant green color.

Step 5. Create the Creamy, Cheesy Sauce: Now for the luscious finish! Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then add both the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together continuously over low heat for another 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce has thickened to a rich, creamy consistency. It’s important to stir frequently during this stage to prevent the rice and cheese from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6. Garnish and Serve Hot: Once your creamy Cajun sausage rice skillet has reached its perfect creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with freshly sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed meal!

Recipe Tips & Delicious Modifications for Your Cajun Rice Skillet

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet recipe is wonderfully forgiving and easy to adapt. Here are some expert tips and creative modifications to help you make it your own and ensure a perfect dish every time:

• Choosing Your Sausage: While Andouille sausage, with its characteristic smoky and spicy profile, is traditionally used in Cajun dishes and highly recommended for its authentic flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! Kielbasa is an excellent and readily available smoked pork sausage that makes a great substitute. For a different twist, you could also use chorizo for a spicier, Spanish-inspired kick, or even Italian sausage (sweet or hot) for a distinct flavor. If you prefer a lighter meal, consider chicken or turkey smoked sausage. Just ensure whatever sausage you choose is pre-cooked or fully cooked during the browning stage.
• Exploring Other Proteins: This recipe is incredibly versatile for protein swaps.
  • Chicken: Shredded leftover roasted chicken can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking to simply warm through. Alternatively, brown diced raw chicken breast or thighs with the sausage in Step 1.
  • Shrimp: For a classic Cajun pairing, sauté shrimp separately until just pink (about 2-3 minutes per side) and stir them into the skillet right before adding the cream and cheese to prevent overcooking.
  • Ground Meats: Browned ground turkey, beef, or chicken can replace or supplement the sausage. Cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding other vegetables.
• Vegetarian Option with Beans: To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage. Instead, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans, red kidney beans, or pinto beans along with the diced tomatoes in Step 3. The beans will add a hearty texture and protein, making it a satisfying meat-free meal.
• Rice Varieties: Long-grain white rice is ideal for its ability to absorb flavors and consistent cooking. However, you can use other rice types with some adjustments:
  • Brown Rice: If using brown rice, you will need to increase the liquid by at least 1 extra cup of chicken or vegetable broth and extend the simmering time to 35-40 minutes, or until the brown rice is fully tender.
  • Wild Rice or Quinoa: These options will also require more liquid and longer cooking times. Follow package instructions for specific liquid ratios and cooking durations, adjusting them to simmer with the other ingredients.
• Adjusting the Spice Level: The Cajun seasoning is key to this dish’s signature bold flavor. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can mix your own using common pantry spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the cayenne. For those who love a fiery kick, add extra cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a few finely diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
• Adding More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating more vegetables. Sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the bell peppers. Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) can be added during the last 5 minutes of rice simmering. Okra, a classic Southern vegetable, also pairs wonderfully with Cajun flavors.
• Dairy Alternatives: If you have dietary restrictions or prefer non-dairy options, you can substitute lactose-free cream and milk for the dairy components. For the cheese, look for good quality dairy-free Parmesan and mozzarella shreds that melt well. The creamy texture and flavor can still be achieved effectively.

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Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 35 minutes mins

Total: 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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This Creamy Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet is filled with delicious Cajun flavor, perfect for an easy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• ▢ 14 ounces Andouille sausage, or kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
• ▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1/2 of a small sweet onion, diced
• ▢ 1/2 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
• ▢ 1/2 orange bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
• ▢ 1 stalk celery, chopped
• ▢ 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, adjust to how spicy you like your dish
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes, (or use regular diced tomatoes), undrained
• ▢ 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• ▢ 1 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• ▢ 1 cup baby spinach
• ▢ 3/4 cup heavy cream, or half-and-half, or lactose-free cream
• ▢ 1/4 cup 2 % milk, or lactose-free milk
• ▢ 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ▢ 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus more for garnish)
• ▢ 1 green onion, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the sliced Andouille or kielbasa sausage to the skillet and cook until well browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, diced onion, Cajun spice, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the diced bell peppers and chopped celery, continuing to sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained), long-grain white rice, and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
• Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the baby spinach until it has completely wilted into the rice mixture.
• Add the heavy cream, 2% milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for another 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce becomes thick and creamy and the cheeses are fully melted. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to prevent sticking.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped green onion and an additional sprinkle of cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g,
Calories: 925kcal,
Carbohydrates: 60g,
Protein: 35g,
Fat: 61g,
Saturated Fat: 25g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 25g,
Trans Fat: 0.2g,
Cholesterol: 157mg,
Sodium: 1480mg,
Potassium: 799mg,
Fiber: 6g,
Sugar: 7g,
Vitamin A: 7299IU,
Vitamin C: 52mg,
Calcium: 359mg,
Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Today’s post is sponsored by the American Dairy Association Mideast. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that allow me to create new and exciting recipes.