Introduction
This Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya is an easy, hearty one-pot dinner packed with bold Cajun flavor! Smoky sausage, tender shrimp, seasoned rice, and tomatoes come together for a comforting meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. 🌶️🍤
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
🛒 Ingredients
2 boxes Zatarain’s Jambalaya Rice Mix (8 oz each)
12 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
12–14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth or water, according to the rice mix directions
1 small onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp Cajun seasoning, optional
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
2 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Note: Because Zatarain’s mixes already contain seasoning, start with a small amount of additional Cajun seasoning and adjust after tasting.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the sausage
Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil and sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage develops browned, crispy edges.
Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables
Add the butter to the same pot.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the tomatoes
Pour in the two cans of diced tomatoes, including their juices.
Stir well, scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the jambalaya mix
Add both boxes of Zatarain’s Jambalaya Rice Mix.
Pour in the amount of liquid called for on the package. If using the quantities above, start with about 4 cups of broth/water, adjusting according to your specific box directions.
Add the smoked paprika, black pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
Stir everything together.
- Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer according to the rice mix directions, usually around 20–25 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Add the sausage
When the rice is almost tender, return the browned sausage to the pot.
Stir gently and continue cooking for a few minutes so the sausage can heat through and flavor the rice.
- Add the shrimp
Add the shrimp during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking.
Gently fold them into the jambalaya.
Since the shrimp shown are already cooked, you’re only reheating them—don’t cook them too long or they can become rubbery.
- Check the seasoning
Taste the jambalaya.
Add a little Cajun seasoning, black pepper or hot sauce if desired.
If the rice looks too dry before it’s completely tender, add a small splash of warm broth or water.
- Rest
Turn off the heat and let the jambalaya rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
This allows the rice to finish absorbing the flavorful liquid.
- Garnish and serve
Fluff gently with a fork.
Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
Serve hot with your favorite hot sauce. 🌶️🔥
💡 Pro Tips
Brown the sausage well—those caramelized edges add a lot of flavor.
Don’t add the shrimp too early; cooked shrimp only need a few minutes to warm through.
Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Start cautiously with extra salt because boxed jambalaya mix and sausage can already be salty.
For more heat, add cayenne pepper or your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce.
Let the jambalaya rest for a few minutes before serving so the rice can absorb the remaining liquid.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Cornbread 🌽
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Steamed vegetables
Coleslaw
Hot sauce and sliced green onions
🧊 Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water. Make sure leftovers are heated thoroughly before serving.
❤️ Conclusion
Smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, seasoned rice and tomatoes make this Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya an easy, flavorful one-pot meal the whole family will love. 🍤🌶️🔥 Would you make this for dinner?