Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Bringing the vibrant flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen has never been easier! My family absolutely devours this Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet every time I make it. It’s one of those magical recipes that comes together in a flash after a long day, yet tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. The smoky sausage, sweet caramelized onions, and crunchy bell peppers bathed in a rich, slightly spicy Cajun sauce – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes in a single pan. Plus, the minimal cleanup is a huge win on busy weeknights. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will become a family favorite, look no further than this incredible Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet.

Ingredients

To create this flavor-packed Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s signature taste and texture. Let’s delve into each component, exploring why they’re essential and offering potential substitutions if needed.

• 1 pound Sausage: The heart of this skillet is undoubtedly the sausage. For an authentic Cajun experience, opt for Andouille sausage. Andouille is a coarsely ground pork sausage, heavily seasoned with Cajun spices, giving it a smoky, slightly spicy, and robust flavor that’s quintessential to Cajun cuisine. Its firm texture holds up beautifully in the skillet, releasing delicious rendered fat that infuses the vegetables with flavor.
  • Variations and Substitutions: If you can’t find Andouille sausage, don’t worry! You can easily substitute with other types of sausage. Kielbasa sausage is a good alternative, offering a smoky and savory flavor, though it’s generally milder than Andouille. Italian sausage, either sweet or hot, can also work, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile, leaning more towards Italian rather than Cajun. For a leaner option, consider using chicken or turkey sausage, but be sure to choose varieties that are well-seasoned to maintain the flavor intensity of the dish. If using chicken or turkey sausage, you might want to add a touch more Cajun seasoning to compensate for the potentially milder flavor. For vegetarian options, consider using plant-based sausages designed to mimic the texture and flavor of smoked sausages. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods offer plant-based sausages that can be surprisingly flavorful in this skillet.
• 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil: Oil is essential for sautéing and caramelizing the onions and peppers, ensuring they develop a beautiful color and depth of flavor without sticking to the pan. Vegetable oil or canola oil are excellent neutral choices with high smoke points, perfect for skillet cooking.
  • Variations and Substitutions: Olive oil can also be used, though its lower smoke point requires slightly lower heat to prevent burning. Avocado oil is another healthy and neutral option with a high smoke point, making it ideal for this recipe. For a richer flavor, you could use a tablespoon of butter or ghee in combination with the oil, especially for sautéing the onions, as butter adds a lovely depth and richness.
• 2 Medium Onions, Sliced: Onions form the aromatic base of this skillet, adding sweetness and depth as they caramelize. Yellow onions are the classic choice for caramelizing due to their balanced flavor profile, becoming wonderfully sweet and tender when cooked.
  • Variations and Substitutions: White onions can be used as a substitute, though they are slightly sharper in flavor and may require a bit longer to caramelize fully. Red onions can also be used for a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, and they add a vibrant color to the dish. For a milder onion flavor, consider using shallots, which will caramelize beautifully and impart a delicate sweetness.
• 1 Small Red Bell Pepper, Sliced: Red bell peppers bring sweetness, a touch of fruity flavor, and a vibrant color to the skillet. They also provide a satisfying crunch when cooked just right.
  • Variations and Substitutions: Feel free to mix and match bell pepper colors. Orange bell peppers are similar to red peppers in sweetness. Yellow bell peppers are slightly milder and sweeter than green peppers.
• 1 Small Green Bell Pepper, Sliced: Green bell peppers offer a slightly bitter and grassy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the red and yellow peppers and the richness of the sausage. They also add a pleasant crisp-tender texture.
  • Variations and Substitutions: If you prefer sweeter peppers, you can substitute green bell peppers with more red or yellow bell peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding a jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced, along with the bell peppers. You could also use poblano peppers for a milder heat and a smoky flavor.
• 1 Small Yellow Bell Pepper, Sliced: Yellow bell peppers contribute a mild sweetness and a bright, cheerful color to the skillet, completing the bell pepper trio.
  • Variations and Substitutions: As mentioned above, feel free to use any combination of bell pepper colors you prefer or have on hand.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a fundamental aromatic in countless cuisines, and it’s no different here. It adds a pungent, savory depth that enhances all the other flavors in the skillet. Freshly minced garlic is always best for the most potent flavor.
  • Variations and Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, approximately ½ teaspoon of garlic powder would be equivalent to 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic. Jarred minced garlic is another convenient option, but its flavor is often less intense than fresh garlic. For a milder garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic or garlic confit.
• 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning (ref note): Cajun seasoning is the soul of this dish, delivering the signature spicy, smoky, and savory flavors of Cajun cuisine. It’s typically a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper, among other spices.
  • Variations and Substitutions: You can easily find pre-made Cajun seasoning blends in most grocery stores. For a milder flavor, start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. For a spicier kick, use a spicier Cajun blend or add a pinch of cayenne pepper separately. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning blend at home to control the spice level and ingredients (see note below for a simple recipe). If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create a close approximation by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato flavor, richness, and a touch of acidity to the sauce. It also helps to thicken the sauce slightly, creating a more cohesive and flavorful skillet.
  • Variations and Substitutions: If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce, but you’ll need to cook it down for a bit longer to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavor. You could also use a tablespoon of ketchup in a pinch, though it will add sweetness as well as tomato flavor. For a deeper, roasted tomato flavor, consider using roasted red peppers blended into a paste.
• ½ cup Chicken Stock: Chicken stock provides moisture to the skillet, creating a light sauce that brings all the ingredients together. It also adds a subtle savory depth that complements the other flavors.
  • Variations and Substitutions: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative. Beef broth would also work, adding a richer, meatier flavor. If you don’t have stock, you can use water, but the flavor will be less complex. In that case, you might want to add a bouillon cube or a teaspoon of Better than Bouillon for added flavor.

Note on Cajun Seasoning:

If you prefer to make your own Cajun seasoning, here’s a simple recipe you can adjust to your taste:

• 2 tablespoons Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ – 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

Instructions

Making this delicious Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet is incredibly straightforward and quick. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes:

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet (or any large, heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat. Cast iron skillets are ideal for this recipe as they distribute heat evenly and retain it well, which is perfect for searing the sausage and caramelizing the vegetables. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any large skillet will work – just ensure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.
2. Sauté the Sausage: Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the hot skillet. Let the oil heat up for a few seconds until it shimmers. This indicates that the oil is hot enough to prevent sticking and ensure proper searing. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet in a single layer, if possible. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the sausage instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the sausage in batches.
3. Brown the Sausage: Stir-fry the sausage for 4-5 minutes, or until it starts to brown nicely around the edges and develops a slightly crispy exterior. Browning the sausage is crucial for developing flavor. As the sausage cooks, it will release its flavorful fat, which will further enhance the dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs and set it aside. Leave any rendered sausage fat in the skillet – this will be used to cook the vegetables and add extra flavor.
4. Caramelize the Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet (if needed – you may have enough rendered sausage fat already). Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooking the onions first allows them to soften and begin to caramelize, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish. Continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent.
5. Sauté Garlic and Peppers: Once the onions have softened (after about 2-3 minutes), add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow) to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This will soften the peppers slightly while still retaining a pleasant crisp-tender texture. Sautéing the garlic alongside the peppers releases its aromatic oils and infuses the vegetables with its savory flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it should become fragrant but not brown too quickly.
6. Add Tomato Paste and Chicken Stock: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet to create a small space in the center. Add the tomato paste to the cleared space and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and slightly darkened. Cooking the tomato paste intensifies its flavor and removes any raw taste. Pour in the chicken stock and mix everything well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
7. Season and Combine: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the vegetables and sauce in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is distributed throughout the dish. Then, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine the sausage, vegetables, and sauce.
8. Simmer and Finish: Add more chicken stock if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. If you prefer a drier skillet, use less stock; for a saucier dish, add a bit more. Let everything cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch more Cajun seasoning for extra spice or salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Switch off the flame and the Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet is ready to serve! Serve it hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Serving Size: Approximately 1 serving (out of 4 servings)

Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 30-40g
  • Saturated Fat: 10-15g (depending on the type of sausage used)
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 800-1200mg (depending on the sausage and seasoning)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugar: 8-10g
• Vitamin A: High (from bell peppers and tomato paste)
• Vitamin C: High (from bell peppers)
• Iron: Good source (from sausage and tomato paste)

Important Considerations:

• Sausage Choice: The type of sausage you choose will significantly impact the nutritional content, especially fat and sodium. Andouille sausage tends to be higher in fat and sodium compared to leaner chicken or turkey sausage.
• Oil Amount: The amount of cooking oil used can also affect the fat content. Using less oil or opting for cooking methods like grilling the sausage separately can reduce the overall fat.
• Sodium Content: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you are watching your sodium intake. Choose lower-sodium sausage options and Cajun seasoning blends, or make your own seasoning to control the salt level.
• Vegetable Portion: Increasing the amount of bell peppers and onions will increase the fiber and vitamin content while slightly reducing the calorie density per serving (as vegetables are lower in calories than sausage).

This Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet, while flavorful and satisfying, is moderately high in calories and fat, primarily due to the sausage. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

This recipe is a weeknight winner thanks to its incredibly short preparation and cooking times.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Slicing the sausage
  • Slicing the onions and bell peppers
  • Mincing the garlic
  • Measuring out the Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, and chicken stock
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Sautéing the sausage (5 minutes)
  • Caramelizing onions and sautéing peppers (5 minutes)
  • Adding tomato paste, chicken stock, and seasoning, and simmering (5 minutes)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

From start to finish, you can have this flavorful Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet on the table in just about 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave a delicious and home-cooked meal.

How to Serve

This versatile Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet can be served in numerous delicious ways. Here are some popular and satisfying serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serving it over fluffy white rice or brown rice is a classic and comforting way to enjoy this skillet. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread like French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and scooping up the sausage and peppers.
• In Tortillas: Transform this skillet into flavorful tacos or burritos. Warm up flour or corn tortillas and fill them with the sausage and pepper mixture. Add your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or avocado.
• Over Pasta: Toss the Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet with cooked pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine. The sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a hearty and flavorful pasta dish.
• With Polenta or Grits: Serve over creamy polenta or grits for a comforting and Southern-inspired meal. The creamy texture of the polenta or grits complements the savory skillet perfectly.
• As a Filling for Baked Potatoes: Spoon the Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet over baked potatoes for a hearty and satisfying loaded baked potato meal. Top with cheese, sour cream, or chives.
• With Quinoa or Couscous: For a lighter and healthier option, serve over cooked quinoa or couscous. These grains provide a nutritious base and absorb the flavors of the skillet well.
• As a Skillet Meal (on its own): For a low-carb option, enjoy the skillet as is! It’s flavorful and satisfying enough to be enjoyed on its own, especially if you are watching your carbohydrate intake.
• Topped with Eggs: For a delicious brunch or breakfast-for-dinner option, top the skillet with fried or poached eggs. The runny yolk adds richness and flavor to the dish.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Additional Tips for the Best Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet

To elevate your Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet from good to absolutely outstanding, consider these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear and caramelize. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and flavor development.
2. Caramelize the Onions Properly: Take the time to caramelize the onions properly. Don’t rush this step. Caramelizing onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that is essential to the dish. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, golden brown, and sweet.
3. Don’t Overcook the Peppers: Aim for crisp-tender peppers. You want them to be slightly softened and cooked through, but still retain a bit of crunch. Overcooked peppers will become mushy and lose their appealing texture. Sauté them for just a few minutes until they reach the desired crisp-tender stage.
4. Adjust the Cajun Seasoning to Your Taste: Cajun seasoning can vary in spice level. Start with the recommended amount (2 teaspoons) and then taste and adjust to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer it milder, use a milder Cajun blend or reduce the amount.
5. Deglaze the Pan for Extra Flavor: After sautéing the sausage and vegetables, make sure to deglaze the pan when you add the chicken stock. Scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce, adding a deeper, more complex taste to your skillet.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly exceptional Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet that your family and friends will rave about.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet:

Q1: Can I make this skillet ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely prepare this Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Q2: Can I freeze Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet?

A: Yes, this skillet freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q3: Can I use different types of vegetables in this skillet?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this skillet with other vegetables you enjoy. Good additions include:

• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Sliced zucchini or yellow squash adds a mild flavor and tender texture.
• Celery: Diced celery adds a subtle savory flavor and crisp texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes (drained) can be added for extra tomato flavor and acidity.
• Okra: If you enjoy okra, sliced okra can be added for a Southern touch.

Q4: Can I make this skillet spicier?

A: Yes, if you like it spicy, there are several ways to increase the heat:

• Use Hot Cajun Sausage: Opt for a hot version of Andouille sausage or another spicy sausage.
• Add More Cajun Seasoning: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning you use.
• Add Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the skillet.
• Include Hot Sauce: Serve the skillet with your favorite hot sauce for those who want extra heat.
• Add Jalapeño or Serrano Peppers: Finely dice a jalapeño or Serrano pepper (with seeds for more heat, or remove seeds for milder heat) and sauté it with the bell peppers.

Q5: What if I don’t have chicken stock?

A: If you don’t have chicken stock, you can use vegetable stock or beef broth as substitutes. In a pinch, you can even use water, but the flavor will be less rich. If using water, consider adding a bouillon cube or a teaspoon of Better than Bouillon to boost the flavor. You could also use white wine for a different flavor profile, adding it after the onions and letting it reduce slightly before adding the tomato paste.

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