One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold and hearty one-pot jambalaya combining spicy sausage, succulent shrimp, and fragrant Cajun spices for a festive Mardi Gras meal. This cajun-inspired mardi gras ready in about 50 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Cajun cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4 minutes until browned; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return browned sausage to the pot and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold in 1 pound peeled shrimp and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp 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 One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp 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 One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya?

Cajun mardi gras 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.

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