Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp

This one pot jambalaya with sausage and shrimp is a flavorful creole dish. It is a hearty southern comfort meal packed full of protein and vegetables.

One pot jambalaya with sausage and shrimp

It starts with a sautéing a trio of vegetables – celery, onion, and green pepper. Then simmering with rice, broth, tomatoes, sausage, and shrimp, I had never eaten jambalaya until I met my husband. He loved the dish and frequently would make this for the two of us. You can find a very wide variety of recipes for this meal. Several call for this trio of vegetables (celery, onion, green pepper). While others omit some of these or swap them out for scallions or red pepper.

Some recipes do not call for tomatoes and others have a heavier ratio of broth to rice ending with more liquid. All of this to say, the possibilities are endless! After several different versions, this is my preferred recipe. This version is simplified making it all in one pot and using healthier ingredients. This is the rice to broth consistency we enjoy as it is still moist and the rice doesn’t stick together, but not a soup consistency.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients on this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Delicious protein that is cooked quickly in the end
• Andouille sausage: A smokey and sharp flavor. It also packs a bit of heat
• Long grain rice: A hearty base to this dish. I prefer long grain rice, but you can use any rice you have on hand
• Diced tomatoes: Great added flavor
• Chicken broth: To simmer all the ingredients in.
• Green pepper, white onion, celery: The staple trio used in classic jambalaya
• Cayenne Pepper: To add the perfect amount of spice. Add more or less to your liking
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Salt
• Cooking oil

How to make jambalaya with sausage and shrimp

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil. Sautee celery, green pepper, and onion until soft (about 3-4 minutes).

Add in diced tomatoes, beef broth, spices, rice, and chopped sausage.

Bring to boil and then reduce to low to simmer uncovered

Simmer for the time indicated on the rice packaging (mine was about 20 minutes).

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, place uncooked shrimp into the pot. Tuck the shrimp into the mixture to cook the shrimp.

Enjoy!

Why you will love this recipe

One Pot: It is all cooked in one pot for ease and simplicity. This allows for easy clean up as well.

Healthy: Everyone has a different definition of healthy. This dish as is full of vegetables, protein, and a grain. There are plenty of boxed jambalaya recipes that are higher in sodium and preservatives. This recipe is homemade with simple ingredients.

Protein Packed: This dish will keep you full. The shrimp and sausage double dose of great protein.

Kid Friendly: Yes! My kids LOVE this meal. If your kids don’t like spice, I would recommend using a more mild sausage such as turkey sausage or a polska kielbasa smoked sausage.

Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a pork sausage that originated in France. I am not going to get into some of the logistics of where in the pig the sausage is made from. You are welcome! I don’t want to made you squirm and also if you are in America the store bought versions are likely different. In general andouille sausage has a chunky texture and a sharper and smoky flavor. At a larger grocery store you will likely see several different options of andouille sausage to choose from. The spice level of the meat will depend upon the brand you choose.

Shrimp

Personally, I think the shrimp is one of the best parts of the dish! It adds great texture and a bit of a twist adding some delicious shellfish to the mix. If you are looking in the freezer section at the grocery store, you will see a lot of different options. I prefer to buy uncooked, jumbo shrimp with tail on/undeveined. Uncooked because it absorbs the flavor of the dish better. I choose tail on and undeveined because they are cheaper this way and only takes about 1 minute to remove those parts. If this grosses you out, then it might be worth the money to pay for it already being removed.

What to serve this dish with

This recipe is truly a one pot recipe. It is hearty and will fill you up. If you’d like, it can be served all on its own. Some great side dishes to go with it are:

• Salad: Any type of green salad will do. I love a bed of romaine lettuce topped with tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese.
• Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon and Onion: This is a flavorful and delicious side dish. The green beans and bacon pairs perfectly with this southern comfort meal.
• Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa: This side dish is full of fresh flavors. It is super quick to whip up and can be an easy side to add.
• Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls: These soft and fluffy rosemary garlic dinner rolls are something out of freshly baked bread heaven. 
• Einkorn Skillet Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter: This recipe is made in one bowl and baked in a cast iron skillet for the perfect side dish.
• Biscuits: Serve them up with butter or honey
• Garlic bread

FAQ

How to keep the rice from being mushy in jambalaya

Do not overcook the rice! As soon as the rice is cooked, pull it off the heat. The rice will continue to absorb the broth and soften a bit.

Is this recipe spicy?

This is dependent on two things:

1. How much cayenne pepper you utilize. If you chose to do the smaller amount (1/8 tsp.) this is a very small amount. I would describe it as adding more of a smoky flavor. My 2 young children eat it and do mention it being spicy.
2. The type of andouille sausage: Check the ingredient list to see if they are adding any peppers to the sausage to increase the spiciness. Some of the andouille sausages I have used have a smoky flavor, not spicy. I would recommend a turkey sausage or a polska kielbasa smoked sausage if you are wanting no spiciness.

How long can you store jambalaya

You can store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I use bone broth in jambalaya?

Absolutely. You can use bone broth in place of beef broth. Bone broth is a nutrient-rich type of broth. 

Here is an easy way to make bone broth in the instant pot: Beef Bone Broth with Soup Bones

Substitutions

Shrimp: Diced ham or chicken. I recommend for these to be cooked ahead of time and then added in at the end until warm

Andouille sausage: polska kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage (make this swap if you don’t want a spicy sausage)

Diced tomatoes: You can chop 3 medium sized fresh tomatoes and add those. You can also omit them.

Green Pepper: I have done this recipe with a red bell pepper and it is delicious and adds a bit of sweetness.