There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in one pot, feeds a crowd, and packs enough flavor to make your tastebuds do a happy dance. That’s exactly what you get with Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya—a dish so bold, comforting, and downright delicious that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week.
Jambalaya is a Southern classic, born from a mix of Spanish, French, and West African influences, but with a personality all its own. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from your grandma, even if your grandma never set foot in Louisiana.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. No need for fancy techniques, expensive ingredients, or a culinary degree—just a single pot, a little bit of chopping, and a love for big, bold flavors.
But before we dive into the Best Jambalaya Recipe, let’s talk about what makes this dish so special. And if you’re in the mood for more shrimp dishes, you have to check out this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp—it’s fast, flavorful, and totally addictive!
What is Jambalaya?
If gumbo is the soulful storyteller of Louisiana cuisine, jambalaya is its lively, no-nonsense cousin who gets straight to the point. It’s a one-pot wonder loaded with rice, meat, seafood, and a medley of spices that bring the heat and depth of the Cajun-Creole tradition.
Jambalaya has roots in both Cajun and Creole cooking, which means there are two main types:
- Creole Jambalaya (Red Jambalaya) – Made with tomatoes, giving it a rich, slightly sweet depth. This is what we’re making today.
- Cajun Jambalaya (Brown Jambalaya) – Skips the tomatoes and gets its deep color from the sausage and seasoning.
Think of it this way: if you see tomatoes in your jambalaya, you’re eating Creole-style. If it’s darker and more rustic, that’s Cajun-style. Either way, it’s a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to Bourbon Street.
And if you love bold flavors, don’t miss this Shrimp Scampi Pasta—it’s creamy, garlicky, and totally irresistible!
Why This is the Best Jambalaya Recipe
We all have those recipes that become instant favorites—the ones that earn a permanent spot in our meal rotation. This Easy Jambalaya is one of those. Here’s why:
Fast & Foolproof – Ready in just 35 minutes. Seriously. You can have this on the table faster than you can decide what to watch on Netflix.
One-Pot Perfection – Because nobody wants to wash a sink full of dishes after dinner.
Packed with Flavor – Smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, perfectly spiced rice, and the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking (onion, bell pepper, celery) make this dish sing.
Customizable – Not a shrimp fan? Swap in chicken. Want more heat? Add extra cayenne. Hate tomatoes? Well…maybe try a different dish (but we promise you’ll love this one).
And if you’re looking for another hearty, comfort-food dish, try this Sausage Cornbread Stuffing—it’s Southern comfort in every bite!
Ingredients for Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make a killer Creole Jambalaya. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Andouille sausage – The smoky, spicy backbone of the dish. If you can’t find it, use smoked sausage.
- Shrimp – Sweet, tender, and perfect in jambalaya.
- Red Gold Tomatoes – The best tomatoes for a rich, flavorful base.
- The Holy Trinity (onion, bell pepper, celery) – The foundation of all great Cajun Creole recipes.
- Garlic & Cajun seasoning – Because flavor is everything.
- Parboiled rice – Keeps the rice firm and separate (no mushy mess here).
- Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with even more flavor.
Looking for another cozy comfort meal? You’ll love this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni—it’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely dreamy!
How to Make the Best Jambalaya Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and let it sizzle until beautifully browned. This step is crucial—browning the sausage first releases those deep, smoky flavors into the pot. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Holy Trinity
In the same pot, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and celery until softened. Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika, and let them cook until everything smells amazing.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Rice
Stir in Red Gold Tomatoes, broth, and parboiled rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, absorbing all that Creole goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Once the rice is tender, add the shrimp and let them cook until pink. Stir in the browned sausage, let everything mingle for a few minutes, then get ready to dig in!
Serving Suggestions
Jambalaya is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty French bread – To soak up every last drop.
- Cornbread – Sweet and savory perfection.
- Hot sauce – Because more heat = more fun.
And if you’re craving more shrimp recipes, don’t miss this Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe—it’s creamy, garlicky heaven.
Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 1 lb Andouille sausage sliced
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 can 14.5 oz Red Gold Tomatoes
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Red Gold Tomatoes, chicken broth, and parboiled rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is tender, stir in the shrimp and browned sausage. Let cook for 5 minutes or until shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.
Notes
At the end of the day, Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya is all about big flavors, bold spices, and comforting bites. It’s the perfect dish for weeknights, family gatherings, or just because you’re craving something authentically delicious.
So grab your pot, turn on some jazz, and let’s bring a little bit of New Orleans magic into your kitchen tonight!
