Description
This One-Pan Summer Sausage Skillet with a Cajun Kick is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and flavorful Cajun seasoning, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Served over rice and garnished with fresh parsley and lime wedges, it’s a deliciously satisfying skillet dinner with a spicy southern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 pound smoked or andouille sausage, sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning & Rice
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust spice level to taste)
- 3 cups cooked rice (leftover rice can be used)
Cooking Fat & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (can replace with lemon if needed)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Sear the sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and flavorful.
- Sauté the vegetables: To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring as needed, until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant in color.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and stir well to ensure the seasoning coats the sausage and vegetables evenly.
- Combine with rice: Return the browned sausage to the skillet if you had moved it, then add 3 cups of cooked rice. Gently mix all ingredients together until heated through and well combined.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat level according to preference.
- Leftover cooked rice works best to prevent mushiness; if using freshly cooked rice, let it cool slightly before adding.
- For a healthier twist, substitute turkey sausage or chicken sausage.
- Adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving enhances the flavors.
- Vegetarian option: replace sausage with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage alternatives.
