Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Hearty One-Pot Meal

Ingredients

• 1 pound Cajun sausage (or andouille sausage), sliced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper
• for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and the browned sausage. Cover the skillet again and let it heat through until the peas are warmed.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.