Cajun-Spiced Jambalaya with Andouille and Shrimp
A hearty, one-pot Cajun jambalaya brimming with smoky andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and fragrant spices, inspired by New Orleans’ rich culinary tradition. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, long-grain white rice, chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 12 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and vegetables.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup diced tomatoes with juice and 3 cups chicken broth, then sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Gently fold in 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp chopped green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun-Spiced Jambalaya with Andouille and Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Jambalaya with Andouille and Shrimp?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long-grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Jambalaya with Andouille and Shrimp?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Jambalaya with Andouille and Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Jambalaya with Andouille and Shrimp?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.