Description
Bold, smoky, and packed with Southern flavor, this One-Pot Cajun Jambalaya is the ultimate easy dinner for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Juicy shrimp, savory Andouille sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice cook together in one pot for a hearty, comforting meal that feels both authentic and approachable. This easy recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients, making it perfect for dinner ideas, meal prep, and satisfying food ideas. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner inspiration or a flavorful homemade classic, this dish brings bold Cajun comfort to your table.
Ingredients
1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and brown until caramelized on both sides.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened and translucent, scraping up browned bits.
3. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add rice and stir to coat each grain evenly.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Add bay leaf and stir.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes until rice is nearly tender.
7. Nestle shrimp into rice, cover, and cook 4–5 minutes until pink and opaque.
8. Remove from heat, rest 5–10 minutes, discard bay leaf, fluff rice, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
Avoid stirring frequently during simmering to keep the rice fluffy.
Add shrimp at the very end to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one-pot meal, Cajun recipe, shrimp jambalaya, dinner ideas, comfort food