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Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is a vibrant, hearty Southern dish combining smoky andouille sausage, tender shrimp, bold Cajun spices, and fluffy long-grain white rice. Ready in under 40 minutes, it offers a flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Proteins

  • Andouille Sausage – 12 oz, sliced into bite-sized rounds
  • Raw Shrimp – 12 oz, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

  • Bell Peppers – 1 cup, diced (mixed colors for brightness)
  • Onions – 1 cup, diced
  • Celery – 1 cup, diced
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained

Grains & Liquids

  • Long-Grain White Rice – 1 1/2 cups, rinsed
  • Chicken Broth – 2 1/2 cups
  • Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons

Seasonings

  • Cajun Seasoning – 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice onions, bell peppers, and celery to create the classic Cajun vegetable base. Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized rounds and peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Measure out spices and rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Cook the onions, celery, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced sausage and cook until just browned to release its smoky flavor.
  3. Add Garlic, Spices, and Liquids: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, allowing the aroma to bloom. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pot and collect any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Incorporate Rice and Seal the Pot: Add rinsed rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat every grain with spices and liquids. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking: After the pressure cooking cycle ends, perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid and gently stir in raw shrimp. Close the lid again and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes to keep them juicy and tender.
  6. Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid carefully, fluff the jambalaya with a fork, taste for seasoning, and add salt or pepper as desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Always rinse rice until water runs clear to avoid gummy texture.
  • Use quality Andouille or smoked sausage for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip sautéing sausage and veggies to unlock deeper flavors.
  • Add shrimp after rice cooks to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture.
  • Adjust spice levels by starting mild and adding hot sauce gradually.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Jambalaya, Sausage, Shrimp, Cajun, One-Pot Meal, Quick Dinner, Southern Cuisine