Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Rice Skillet
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Rice Skillet is bursting with bold, spicy flavors and comes together quickly in one pan—perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 pound turkey sausage sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup green onions chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes drained
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and deveining your shrimp if not already done. Slice the turkey sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the bell pepper and onion, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions. Drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil and drippings in the pan.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Stir in the long-grain white rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the oils and vegetables. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt over the rice mixture. Stir well to combine, letting the spices toast slightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then add the drained diced tomatoes. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, nestle the shrimp and browned sausage pieces into the skillet. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the fresh flavor in. Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Medium Bowl
Notes
- Use peeled scallops or firm white fish instead of shrimp for a different seafood texture.
- Substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage alternatives.
- For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, use brown rice and adjust cooking time and broth accordingly.
- Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Adjust the heat by customizing the Cajun seasoning blend or adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.