This Easy One Pot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya brings the taste of New Orleans right to your table! It’s packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and flavorful spices—all cooked in one pot for less mess.
I love how quick and simple it is to make this dish. Just toss everything in one pot and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure—my family always goes back for seconds! 🍤🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp works too—just make sure to thaw it before cooking. If you’re not a shrimp fan, try using diced chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Smoked sausage: Andouille sausage gives an authentic taste, but any smoked sausage works, like kielbasa. You can also replace it with turkey sausage for a lighter option or skip it altogether for a vegetarian dish.
Long grain white rice: This is what makes the dish filling and hearty. If you want something healthier, brown rice is a great substitute, but keep in mind it will require extra cooking time. Quinoa is another good option if you prefer a gluten-free grain.
Cajun seasoning: This is key for that signature flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, mix equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper as a substitute. You can also find store-bought blends that work well!
How do I Prepare the Perfect Jambalaya Without Overcooking the Rice?
Getting the rice just right is crucial! Start by sautéing your veggies and sausage first. When you add your rice and broth, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently. Make sure to cover the pot to trap the steam—this is what cooks the rice evenly.
- Cook the rice on a low simmer for about 15 minutes. Check if it’s nearly done at that point.
- If it’s almost cooked, add your shrimp and sausage back to the pot, cover it, and let simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps everything fluffy!
These tips will help you get perfect rice every time without it becoming mushy. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy One Pot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Jambalaya:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus about 30-35 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 45-50 minutes to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal that’s easy to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until it becomes aromatic.
4. Mix in the Rice and Spices:
Stir in the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them—keep that juice!), Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and some salt and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
5. Boil and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is nearly cooked.
6. Add Shrimp and Sausage:
Carefully add the shrimp and cooked sausage back into the pot. Gently stir to combine everything.
7. Finish Cooking:
Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the rice is tender at the same time.
8. Let Rest:
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your jambalaya with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if you like. Serve it up and enjoy your hearty, flavorful Easy One Pot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya!
Dig in and savor every delightful bite!
FAQ for Easy One Pot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before adding it to the pot. You can thaw frozen shrimp by placing it in a colander and running cold water over it for a few minutes, or by letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier jambalaya, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also use a spicier sausage, like andouille, for more heat!
Can I Prepare Jambalaya in Advance?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it as directed and then let it cool before refrigerating it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent it from drying out.
What Should I Serve with Jambalaya?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but for a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of cornbread, a fresh green salad, or some sautéed veggies. A splash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors!
