Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and effortless cooking, this Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is exactly what you need. Perfectly combining the smoky taste of sausage, the tender sweetness of shrimp, and a mix of vibrant vegetables and spices, this recipe delivers authentic Cajun vibes in under an hour. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or looking to impress without the fuss, this flavorful jambalaya comes together quickly in your Instant Pot, locking in taste and making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Meal Prep: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time without sacrificing traditional jambalaya flavors.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and easy cleanup after a satisfying meal.
• Bursting with Flavor: Smoky sausage, fresh shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice create a harmonious and vibrant dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the spices, protein, or veggies to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this jambalaya hits the spot every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something unique to your bowl—from rich textures to deep flavor and delightful color. Here’s what you’ll gather for this easy and tasty meal:

• Andouille Sausage: The smoky, spicy sausage is key to authentic jambalaya flavor and adds a savory kick.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen peeled shrimp lend a sweet, tender contrast to the spicy sausage.
• Bell Peppers: A colorful mix adds crunch, sweetness, and vibrant visuals.
• Onions and Celery: Classic Cajun trinity ingredients enrich the base flavor while offering texture and aroma.
• Garlic: Adds that essential pungent, savory note that wakes up the entire dish.
• Long-Grain Rice: Absorbs all the spices and juices without getting mushy, the perfect carbohydrate base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide acidity and moisture, balancing richness with brightness.
• Chicken Broth: Deepens the flavor with savory undertones and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme brings that signature jambalaya heat.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse aromatic layers subtly grounding the flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it helps develop a caramelized base without overpowering the ingredients.

Variations for Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Feel free to personalize your Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp! This recipe is easily adaptable depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Make it your own with these fun twists:

• Swap Proteins: Use chicken thighs or turkey sausage for a different but equally tasty experience.
• Make it Vegetarian: Replace sausage and shrimp with smoked tempeh or hearty veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
• Turn up the Heat: Add extra cayenne or fresh chopped jalapeños if you love a spicy jambalaya kick.
• Gluten-Free Options: Confirm your sausage is gluten-free and enjoy a naturally gluten-free version of this dish.
• Add Beans: Black-eyed peas or kidney beans provide extra protein and a creamy texture that’ll make the dish heartier.

How to Make Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and warm olive oil. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and flavorful. Then toss in diced onions, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté the veggies until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to unlock its aroma.

Step 2: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Seasoning

Pour in the long-grain rice and stir for a minute to coat it in flavors. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves. Mix everything well, ensuring that the rice is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 8 minutes. This short but effective cooking time cooks the rice perfectly while infusing all the spices and flavors into the dish.

Step 4: Quick Release and Add Shrimp

Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release and open the lid carefully. Stir in the peeled shrimp, then reseal the lid and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for 5 minutes on the “keep warm” setting or until they turn opaque and tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves, give the jambalaya a gentle stir, and your dish is ready. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with your favorite garnishes or sides.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

• Perfect Sausage Searing: Don’t rush the sauté step—browning sausage well releases oils and deep flavor.
• Rice Texture: Use long-grain rice for fluffiness; rinsing rice beforehand can prevent clumping.
• Layer Flavors: Add spices before pressure cooking so they fully infuse the dish.
• Shrimp Cooking: Adding shrimp at the end prevents overcooking and keeps them tender.
• Liquid Ratios: Ensure there’s enough broth to cook the rice without it becoming mushy or dry.

How to Serve Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions, a sprinkle of parsley, or a few dashes of hot sauce add color, freshness, and an extra zing. Lemon wedges on the side brighten the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This jambalaya pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad, cornbread, or roasted vegetables to balance the meal and complement the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your jambalaya in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or ramekins topped with shredded cheese for a fun twist on presentation. It’s great for parties or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover jambalaya completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, maintaining texture and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Pack leftovers tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice has dried out, to restore moisture and softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly—just thaw briefly before adding to the Instant Pot for best texture and even cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Can I cook this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can prepare it on the stovetop in a heavy pot, although it will require more attention and a longer cooking time for the rice.

What rice is best for jambalaya?

Long-grain white rice is preferred because it stays fluffy and separates well when cooked, which suits jambalaya’s texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, by substituting the sausage and shrimp with plant-based proteins or extra veggies, you can create a delicious vegetarian jambalaya.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about a warm, seasoned bowl of Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp. It brings together cozy comfort, bold flavors, and ease of preparation in one pot. Whether you’re new to Cajun cooking or a longtime fan, this recipe is an excellent addition to your dinner rotation that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Louisiana right from your own kitchen!

Related Posts

• Easy Taco Lasagna
• Honey Garlic Pork Rice Bowl
• Sauerkraut Casserole

Print