Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, hearty textures, and a bit of Southern charm, this Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is your new weeknight superstar. This recipe brings together perfectly seasoned sausage, succulent shrimp, rice, and a melody of spices into one pot, delivering a satisfying meal in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp blends speed with soulful taste you’d expect from a classic jambalaya dish, making it perfect for busy schedules without compromising on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, saving time on dishes and prep.
• Fast and flavorful: Achieve deep, well-rounded flavors in a fraction of traditional jambalaya cooking time.
• Flexible ingredients: Easily swap proteins or veggies based on what you have or prefer.
• Family-friendly comfort: A warm, hearty meal loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect texture: The Instant Pot cooks perfectly fluffy rice while keeping sausage and shrimp juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp relies on simple yet bold ingredients that bring vibrant color, rich texture, and authentic flavor. Each item plays a crucial role, from the smoky sausage to the savory spices that define this Louisiana classic.

• Andouille sausage: Brings smoky, spicy depth that’s key to jambalaya’s signature taste.
• Shrimp: Adds a tender seafood element that balances the richness of the sausage.
• Long-grain rice: Absorbs the spices and broth for a perfect fluffy consistency.
• Bell peppers, onions, celery (the “holy trinity”): Provide aroma, flavor, and a subtle crunch.
• Garlic: Boosts the savory foundation for the dish without overpowering.
• Diced tomatoes and tomato paste: Deliver acidity and a thick, rich base.
• Chicken broth: Enhances flavor and helps cook the rice to tender perfection.
• Spices (paprika, thyme, cayenne, bay leaves): Crafted to add complexity and a gentle kick.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and bring out flavors.

Variations for Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

This versatile recipe welcomes tweaks and swaps to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, spice levels, or add your favorite veggies to make it truly your own.

• Chicken addition: Swap half the sausage for diced chicken breast or thighs for added protein variety.
• Vegetarian version: Replace sausage and shrimp with hearty mushrooms and extra veggies like zucchini or okra.
• Spice it up: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce for a fiery kick if you enjoy bold heat.
• Different sausage: Use chorizo or kielbasa for a twist on traditional flavor.
• Brown rice swap: Use brown rice; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Make Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and brown the sliced andouille sausage until crispy edges form, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add the diced onion, celery, and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened, roughly 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 more minute to release its fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomato Ingredients

Sprinkle paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper into the pot and stir to coat the veggies evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing everything well. This combination creates the rich, bold base for our jambalaya.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Broth

Pour in the long-grain rice and chicken broth. Stir to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid, which is crucial for even cooking. Add the bay leaves and return the cooked sausage to the pot.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual, high pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Finish Cooking

Open the lid and immediately add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Stir them into the hot jambalaya and close the lid without sealing. Let the residual heat cook the shrimp for 5 minutes—this keeps them tender and juicy.

Step 6: Final Stir and Serve

Remove the bay leaves, give everything a final stir, and taste for seasoning. Add extra salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

• Use quality sausage: The flavor of your sausage will dominate, so pick a high-quality andouille for best results.
• Don’t skip the sauté step: Browning the sausage and veggies adds a depth of flavor you won’t get otherwise.
• Layer your spices: Add half before cooking and adjust after for a perfectly balanced heat.
• Fresh shrimp recommendation: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp cook best and retain their texture.
• Rice consistency: If the rice seems undercooked, let it sit in the pot a few more minutes with the lid on.

How to Serve Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Garnishes

Top your jambalaya with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices, or pair with a simple green salad to balance the hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the jambalaya in individual bowls with lemon wedges on the side, or scoop it into small cups for a fun appetizer version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.

Freezing

Instant Pot Jambalaya freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the rice’s moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before adding them to the pot to ensure even cooking and avoid excess water.

Is andouille sausage spicy?

Andouille sausage has a moderate spice level with smoky and garlicky notes, but heat can vary by brand, so adjust cayenne if you prefer milder or hotter flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Ensure your sausage and broth are gluten-free, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe, hearty option.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can make this on the stovetop by browning ingredients first, then simmering everything until rice is cooked, but expect a longer cooking time.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a gentle heat from cayenne and sausage spices but is easily adjustable to suit your preferred spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is a soul-satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Southern cooking straight to your table with ease and speed. Whether you’re a jambalaya veteran or trying it for the first time, this recipe promises a fuss-free, delicious experience that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every flavorful, tender bite!

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