Johnson's Jambalaya
A hearty Creole dish with a medley of sausages, shrimp, and vegetables in a spiced rice stew, inspired by the surname 'Johnson' and Southern cuisine. This southern-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs long grain rice, sliced andouille sausage, peeled and deveined shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 1 lb sliced andouille sausage
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 large diced bell peppers
- 1 large diced onions
- 2 stalks diced celery
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and crispy, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion, 2 stalks diced celery, and 1 large diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Uncover and stir in 1 lb shrimp, 1/2 cup reserved sausage, and any accumulated juices. Cook for 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Jambalaya 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 Johnson's Jambalaya?
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 rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Jambalaya?
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 Johnson's Jambalaya for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Johnson's Jambalaya?
Southern one pot 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.