Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Rice Skillet
A smoky, spicy one-pan meal with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, andouille sausage, and tender rice, perfect for a hearty dinner in 30 minutes. This american-inspired rice & grains ready in about 30 minutes pairs uncooked long grain white rice, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 6 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery stalk, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 12 oz peeled shrimp tossed with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced onion, and 1/2 cup diced celery to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup uncooked rice and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, coating the rice in the veggies and oil. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 6: Return cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet, gently fold in, and heat through for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Rice Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Rice Skillet?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Rice Skillet?
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 Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Rice Skillet 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 Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Rice Skillet?
American rice & grains 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the convenience and taste. Exactly what I needed for a busy week.
- ★★★★★
Made it for date night and it was a success. The Cajun spice was just right.
- ★★★★★
Quick and full of flavor. My kids even ate the shrimp without complaining!