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- 1 lb (450g) Cajun chicken sausage, sliced - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 large onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 ½ cups chicken broth - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a vital role in this dish. The Cajun chicken sausage gives a spicy kick. The long-grain white rice absorbs all the flavors. Diced bell pepper and onion add sweetness and texture. Garlic enhances the aroma. The spices bring warmth and depth. Cajun seasoning adds a bold flavor. Smoked paprika gives a sweet, smoky touch. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and pepper balance all the tastes. Olive oil helps to sauté and brings richness. Diced tomatoes add acidity and moisture. Chicken broth adds depth and ensures the rice cooks perfectly. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Grab all these ingredients from your kitchen. You have everything you need for a hearty meal. Check the full recipe for detailed steps on how to combine them! In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced Cajun chicken sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the sausage with a spatula until it gets browned on the edges. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Next, stir in the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mix for another 3 to 4 minutes. The vegetables should soften and the onion will turn translucent. This helps build a tasty base for your One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice. Now, it’s time to mix in the spices. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the sausage and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Lightly toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed. After that, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the sausage and veggies evenly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color. To get the best flavor, cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. You want it to be browned on the edges. This extra step adds depth to the dish. Use long-grain white rice for this recipe. It cooks well and stays fluffy. After adding the rice, let it toast for 1-2 minutes. This brings out its nutty flavor. When you simmer it, keep the heat low. This helps the rice absorb all the tasty broth. You can add more spices for a flavor boost. Try a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like heat. Fresh thyme or basil can also work well. These herbs add brightness to the dish. Don't hesitate to mix and match to find your favorite combo! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using turkey sausage for a leaner option. Pork sausage adds a rich flavor. Chicken breast is another great choice. You can slice it thin and cook it like the sausage. Shrimp also pairs well with Cajun spices. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking. To make a meatless version, skip the sausage. You can replace it with hearty vegetables. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for texture. Firm tofu works well too. Just cube it and sauté it, like the sausage. Add extra spices to keep the flavor bold. You can add different vegetables for more flavor. Try corn, diced carrots, or spinach. These will add color and nutrition. For spices, consider adding cayenne for heat. A splash of hot sauce can also elevate the dish. Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh taste. For the step-by-step instructions and full ingredients list, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it by. If you want to freeze One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice, follow these steps: 1. Allow the dish to cool completely. 2. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. 3. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. 4. It can last for up to three months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stove or microwave. For maximum freshness, I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Glass containers are great because they can go from the freezer to the oven. Make sure they have tight-fitting lids to keep air out. This helps maintain the dish's flavor and texture. It takes about 50 minutes to cook this dish. You spend around 15 minutes prepping, then 35 minutes cooking. The rice needs time to absorb the flavors and liquid. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you are ready to eat. Absolutely! You can switch the sausage for turkey or even tofu. If you want a veggie twist, add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Just keep the rice and broth to ensure the dish stays hearty. This dish serves four and has around 400 calories per serving. It has protein from the sausage and carbs from the rice. You also get vitamins from the vegetables. For detailed info, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook. You will need about 30-40 minutes more. Adjust the broth as needed to ensure the rice cooks properly. You have all the tools to make a delicious One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice dish. We covered the key ingredients, from the savory Cajun sausage to the fresh vegetables. I shared step-by-step instructions that make cooking easy. Remember to explore variations to fit your taste, whether you're trying new proteins or creating a veggie version. Storing leftovers correctly ensures you enjoy your meal longer. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy the process!

One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice

Discover the deliciousness of One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice! This easy-to-follow recipe combines flavorful Cajun chicken sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices for a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal clean-up and maximum taste, it’s a dish you won't want to miss. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring some Southern flair to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) Cajun chicken sausage, sliced

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 ½ cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or a deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced Cajun chicken sausage to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned on the edges. Use a spatula to turn them occasionally.

      Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

        Combine with Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly.

          Stir in Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

            Incorporate Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all the ingredients.

              Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

                Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing in the sausage and vegetables evenly.

                  Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4