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Flavorful Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Shrimp

jambalaya with andouille sausage and shrimp - featured image

A smoky, spicy, and savory jambalaya featuring Andouille sausage and tender shrimp, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a few dashes hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: peel and devein shrimp if needed, slice Andouille sausage into ¼-inch rounds, chop onion, bell pepper, celery, and mince garlic. Rinse rice under cold water until clear. (Prep time: 10-15 minutes)
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook 4-5 minutes until edges are crisp and browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, avoiding burning.
  4. Add rinsed rice and Cajun seasoning to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and release aroma.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in bay leaves and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. Stir cooked Andouille sausage back into the pot. Nestle raw shrimp on top, cover, and cook 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  8. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and gently stir. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
  9. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

Toast the rice briefly with veggies and spices before adding broth for enhanced flavor. Keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam and flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Use a good quality Andouille sausage for balanced smoke and spice. For gluten-free, ensure sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free. Variations include vegetarian swaps, spice adjustments, and slow cooker adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: jambalaya, Andouille sausage, shrimp, Cajun, Southern cooking, spicy rice dish, easy dinner, comfort food