If you’re craving a bold, comforting meal that’s bursting with Southern flavor, look no further than this easy Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp. This one-pot wonder combines smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, fragrant spices, and tender rice for a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours — all ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re short on time or just want a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup, this recipe delivers hearty, authentic Louisiana vibes in a flash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Classic Flavor Combo: Sausage and shrimp create rich, complementary tastes that make jambalaya unforgettable.
- One-Pot Convenience: The Instant Pot makes cooking easy and cleanup a breeze, keeping your kitchen mess minimal.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap or add proteins and veggies to suit your preferences or pantry.
- Great for Meal Prep: This hearty dish reheats beautifully for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp plays a vital role—from the Cajun spices that infuse heat and depth, to the vegetables that bring sweetness and texture, to the proteins that offer savory satisfaction. The simplicity of these essentials lets the bold flavors shine through.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds smoky, spicy notes that define traditional jambalaya.
- Raw Shrimp: Provides tender, sweet seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with sausage.
- Long Grain Rice: Absorbs all the delicious juices and spices for a fluffy, flavorful base.
- Bell Peppers: Bring vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Onion and Celery: The classic “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, creating a rich aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Adds warmth and a hint of pungency that enhances every bite.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star spice blend that delivers heat, paprika, thyme, and more.
- Diced Tomatoes: Offer acidity and moisture, brightening and enriching the dish.
- Chicken Broth: For cooking rice and melding all flavors together perfectly.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing to develop layers of flavor and richness.
Variations for Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp
This dish is as flexible as it is flavorful. Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your taste buds, dietary needs, or whatever is in your fridge. The Instant Pot makes these swaps a breeze, so get creative!
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage and shrimp with hearty mushrooms and extra beans for a meatless twist.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Add cayenne or hot sauce for more kick, or reduce spices for a milder palate.
- Different Proteins: Use chicken thighs, smoked turkey, or even fish chunks to vary the protein profile.
- Brown Rice Swap: Substitute with brown rice but increase cooking time slightly for a nuttier texture.
- Extra Veggies: Throw in corn, okra, or zucchini to boost nutrition and color.
How to Make Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heating a bit of olive oil or butter. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside. Then add diced onions, celery, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté until softened and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes, scraping the browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
Step 2: Add Rice, Spices, and Liquids
Return the sausage to the pot and stir in the long grain rice, Cajun seasoning, and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the rice is submerged. Give everything a good stir to combine and deglaze the pot.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Jambalaya
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 8 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking cycle ends, allow a natural release for 5 minutes before switching to quick release to let out any remaining steam.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking
Open the lid and quickly stir in peeled and deveined shrimp. Close the lid again and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes on ‘Keep Warm’ mode, or until pink and opaque.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve
Give the jambalaya one last stir to mix all the flavors, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp
- Use Quality Sausage: Good andouille or smoked sausage is key for authentic smoky flavor.
- Don’t Rinse Your Rice: Leaving the starch on helps the rice absorb more flavor and stay creamy.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté vegetables before pressure cooking for that rich, developed taste.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Add shrimp at the end to keep them tender and prevent rubbery texture.
- Natural Release Helps: A natural pressure release keeps the rice fluffy instead of mushy.
How to Serve Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp
Garnishes
Brighten your jambalaya with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions to add freshness and a pop of color. A squeeze of lemon juice on top can also enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness and add a zesty note.
Side Dishes
This rich main dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, cornbread, or steamed green beans. These options offer refreshing contrasts to the dish’s bold, spicy profile and complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the jambalaya stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Alternatively, top with a fried egg for added richness and texture play.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover jambalaya in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp freezes wonderfully. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice has absorbed too much moisture and feels dry. Stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
It’s best to use raw shrimp in this recipe because pre-cooked shrimp can become tough or rubbery when reheated in the Instant Pot. Adding raw shrimp at the end ensures they stay tender.
What type of rice works best for jambalaya in the Instant Pot?
Long grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well without getting mushy. You can use brown rice but expect longer cooking times and a slightly different texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp has moderate heat thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less seasoning or using a mild sausage.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes, though cooking times will be longer. You can sauté the ingredients, then simmer everything together gently on the stove, adding the shrimp towards the end to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free if you choose gluten-free sausage and broth. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten, especially in seasoning blends.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is a fantastic shortcut to the bold, soulful flavors of classic Cajun cooking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers satisfying spice, seafood sweetness, and comforting warmth—all with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite weeknight dinner!