Cajun Creole Style Rice

Bring the vibrant flavors of Louisiana to your table with this bold and hearty Cajun Creole Style Rice! Perfectly fluffy long-grain rice is simmered in a rich blend of smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and zesty spices like Cajun seasoning, thyme, and paprika, all infused with the freshness of crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. This one-pot recipe combines the classic Creole "holy trinity" of onion, green bell pepper, and celery, creating a deeply layered flavor profile in just under 45 minutes. Ideal as a side dish or a satisfying main course, this dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and sliced green onions for a vibrant, aromatic garnish. Whether you're hosting a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this crowd-pleasing Southern favorite is guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to the bayou.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
• 1 medium (diced) green bell pepper
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 link (sliced into rounds) smoked sausage
• 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon (dried) thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 sliced (for garnish) green onions
• 2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the vegetables and spices.

Step 7

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2676.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1414.3

Total Fat 59.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 111.5mg	0%
Sodium 4533.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.7g	0%
Total Sugars 34.2g
Protein 67.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 484.4mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 3033.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.9%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 43.1%