One Pot Cajun Smoked Sausage and Rice Recipe (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage:
   Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sear for 4–5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate (leave rendered oil in the skillet).
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Toast Rice & Seasonings:
   Add uncooked rinsed long-grain white rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to coat and toast the rice grains.
4. Simmer:
   Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Deglaze the skillet by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir everything together. Bring to a rolling boil.
5. Cover & Cook:
   Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes without opening the lid, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Rest & Serve:
   Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish generously with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot!