Name: Cajun Sausage & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced; 1 small red onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly savory, this Cajun Sausage & Rice dish brings bold Southern flavor to your table with minimal effort. The rich blend of smoked sausage, seasoned rice, and a creamy, cheesy base creates the kind of comfort food that warms both the belly and the soul.

It’s an easy one-pan wonder perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Each bite bursts with robust Cajun seasoning and juicy slices of sausage, all wrapped in a luscious sauce that clings to every grain of rice. It’s the kind of meal that begs for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage & Rice

This dish is a dream for busy home cooks. It uses simple ingredients, delivers restaurant-level taste, and comes together in under 40 minutes. The creamy texture and spicy kick are a winning combo, while the sausage adds just the right amount of meaty bite. Plus, it’s super flexible—use whatever sausage you love, and toss in some veggies to stretch it even further.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Andouille sausage is the classic Cajun choice, bringing plenty of smoky spice. If that’s too bold for your taste (or hard to find), kielbasa or smoked beef sausage make fantastic alternatives. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked so it crisps up quickly in the skillet.

Ingredients for the Cajun Sausage & Rice

This comforting dish calls for hearty, flavor-forward ingredients that come together in a creamy embrace.

Smoked Sausage – The star of the show! Choose andouille or your favorite smoked sausage for a spicy, savory bite.

Long Grain White Rice – Helps soak up all that flavorful sauce while keeping a slightly firm texture.

Heavy Cream – Adds richness and silky smoothness to the dish.

Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth.

Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a gooey, creamy finish.

Red Onion – Adds a pop of sweetness and color.

Cajun Seasoning – Delivers that signature spicy Southern flair.

Olive Oil – For sautéing the sausage and onions to perfection.

Garlic – Because every great dish needs a touch of garlic!

How To Make the Cajun Sausage & Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add chopped red onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in the rice and stir it through the onion mixture to toast slightly. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until rice is cooked.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until the cheese is melted and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the sausage to the skillet, mix well, and let it all come together. Garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot!

How to Serve and Store Cajun Sausage & Rice

This dish serves 4-6 people generously, making it great for families or leftovers. For a casual dinner, serve straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

To store, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Cajun Sausage & Rice?

Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

The sweet crunch of corn pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy rice.

Simple Garden Salad

A refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Southern-Style Green Beans

Earthy and savory, they round out the meal with rustic charm.

Sweet Potato Wedges

Their caramelized sweetness contrasts the bold spice of the rice.

Sauteed Zucchini or Bell Peppers

Light veggies to add color and a bit of crunch.

Classic Coleslaw

Creamy and tangy, a Southern staple side.

Want More Comforting Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Cajun Sausage & Rice, you might also crave these delicious comfort dishes:

One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a creamy, cheesy one-pan favorite.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re in the mood for seafood with a twist.
Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole for another cozy rice-based bake.
Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans for a slow-cooked, hearty meal.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms? Try it with brown rice? I love hearing your twists on these dishes. Feel free to ask questions, too—we’re in this cooking journey together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food creations on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good meals!

Cajun Sausage & Rice

Author: Nora
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Bold Cajun spices, creamy cheesy sauce, and juicy smoked sausage make this Cajun Sausage & Rice an instant dinner hit. It’s a cozy one-pan meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or whenever you crave Southern comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe, hearty dinner ideas, or food ideas that satisfy your spicy cravings, this dish fits the bill. It’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—truly one of the best quick dinner recipes you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced

1 small red onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in the rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer until rice is tender.

4. Add the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.

5. Return sausage to skillet, stir everything together, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Serve warm.