Description
This Zesty One-Pan Summer Sausage Skillet with Cajun Kick is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with colorful bell peppers, smoky sausage, and Cajun spices, this dish offers a delightful balance of spice and freshness, all cooked together in a single skillet for a fuss-free cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Sausage
- 1 pound smoked or andouille sausage (opt for turkey sausage for a lighter variation)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium red bell pepper (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper (can substitute with extra green bell pepper)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (fresh)
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white)
- 3 cloves garlic (fresh, minced)
Grain & Other Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (leftover rice or quinoa for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (avocado oil works as a substitute)
- 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (can use cilantro for variation)
- 2 medium lime wedges (or lemon wedges as alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the smoked or andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, as well as the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Have the cooked rice ready for use.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter. Allow the oil or butter to warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through, releasing their smoky flavors.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Stir and cook for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Cajun seasoning: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetables, stirring well to evenly coat all ingredients with the spices. Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your desired spice level.
- Incorporate rice: Stir in the cooked rice until well combined with the sausage, vegetables, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to heat through thoroughly.
- Finish with fresh herbs and citrus: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Squeeze lime wedges over the dish to add brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, use turkey sausage instead of smoked or andouille sausage.
- Leftover cooked rice saves time, but quinoa is a great gluten-free substitute.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Fresh lime juice adds a nice citrusy brightness, but lemon juice can be substituted.
- Use fresh garlic whenever possible for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic is a convenient option.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep since it reheats well.
