If you’re craving a rich, hearty meal that comes together quickly, this Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is your new go-to recipe. Bursting with bold Cajun flavors, tender sausage, succulent shrimp, and a perfect blend of spices and veggies, it’s an easy dish that satisfies without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this jambalaya delivers a comforting taste of Louisiana in under 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: Ready in less than 30 minutes, it fits even the busiest schedules.
One-Pot Wonder: The Instant Pot makes cooking and cleanup effortless.
Bold Flavors: Authentic Cajun spices bring vibrant, soulful taste with every bite.
Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap proteins or adjust spice levels to your liking.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and rice for a balanced meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp relies on a straightforward list of quality ingredients, carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role to deliver that authentic Southern comfort food experience fast and fuss-free.

Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy punch essential to jambalaya’s character.
Raw Shrimp: Cooked last for tender, juicy seafood goodness.
Bell Peppers, Celery & Onion: The classic “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking for fresh, fragrant flavor.
Long-grain Rice: Absorbs all the rich spices and broth perfectly.
Diced Tomatoes: Bring acidity and color to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that cooks the rice and melds flavors.
Cajun Seasoning: The secret to authentic taste with paprika, garlic, and cayenne heat.
Olive Oil: Helps sauté the veggies and sausage, enhancing richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.

Variations for Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Feel free to tweak this recipe to match your pantry or dietary preferences. The Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is incredibly adaptable and welcoming to substitutions or additional ingredients, making it a fantastic canvas for personalization.

Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs or smoked turkey instead of sausage for different meat flavors.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace sausage and shrimp with hearty mushrooms and extra veggies.
Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add fresh jalapeños to dial up the heat.
Rice Alternatives: Try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or lower-carb option.
Extra Greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach at the end for added nutrients and color.

Quick Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

How to Make Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add sliced andouille sausage, cooking until browned for that smoky flavor. Remove sausage, then add the diced bell peppers, celery, onion, and garlic to soften and release their aromas.

Step 2: Add Rice, Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning

Pour in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir everything gently to combine, making sure rice is covered with liquid for even cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Rice

Return the browned sausage to the pot, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. This quick cook time ensures the rice becomes perfectly tender and infused with all the spices.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking

After the pressure cooking ends, perform a quick release. Open the lid and stir in peeled, deveined shrimp, switching to sauté mode for about 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the jambalaya a final stir, taste to adjust seasoning, and serve it piping hot for a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a celebration with every forkful.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Use Andouille Sausage: This smoked sausage adds authentic Cajun depth that’s hard to replicate.
Don’t Skip Quick Release: Releasing pressure immediately prevents overcooking the shrimp.
Toast Rice Slightly: Sauté rice with veggies to add a subtle nuttiness.
Fresh Shrimp is Best: If frozen, thaw and pat dry before adding for even cooking.
Adjust Broth Amount: Too much can make the jambalaya soggy, so measure carefully.

How to Serve Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Garnishes

Top your jambalaya with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and mild sharpness that balances the hearty flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair it with simple sides such as crusty bread to soak up the juices, a fresh green salad for crunch, or a light coleslaw to add a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your jambalaya in individual bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright, zesty finish. Alternatively, set up a casual buffet where guests can customize their portions with extra hot sauce and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled jambalaya in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Freeze leftovers in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly stored, jambalaya can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist and the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw and pat the shrimp dry first to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Is Instant Pot jambalaya spicy?

It depends on the Cajun seasoning used; you can easily adjust the heat level by selecting mild or spicy seasoning blends or adding extra chili flakes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the sausage and shrimp with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for a meat-free version.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is recommended because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, but brown rice can be used with adjusted cooking times.

How can I make the jambalaya less messy?

Using the Instant Pot helps contain the cooking process, but be careful when releasing pressure and serving to avoid splattering.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the South, delivered fast and fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy, this dish checks every box for flavor, convenience, and comfort. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation!

Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Instant Pot Jambalaya with Sausage & Shrimp is a quick and hearty Cajun-inspired meal bursting with bold flavors, tender andouille sausage, succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot dish brings authentic Louisiana comfort food to your table with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage & Seafood

12 oz Andouille Sausage, sliced
12 oz Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

1 cup diced Bell Peppers (mixed colors)
1 cup diced Celery
1 cup diced Onion
3 cloves Garlic, freshly minced

Grains & Liquids

1 1/2 cups Long-grain White Rice, uncooked
1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes with juices
2 1/4 cups Chicken Broth

Seasonings & Oils

2 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add sliced andouille sausage, cooking until browned to develop that smoky flavor. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Then add the diced bell peppers, celery, onion, and freshly minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their aromas, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Rice, Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning. Pour in the uncooked long-grain rice, diced tomatoes including juices, and chicken broth. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the mixture. Gently stir everything to combine, ensuring that the rice is fully covered by the liquid for even cooking.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Rice. Return the browned sausage to the pot, stirring slightly to incorporate. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. This short cooking time allows the rice to become tender and infused with all the rich flavors.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking. When the pressure cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking. Carefully open the lid and stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Switch back to sauté mode and cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy. Give the jambalaya a final stir and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve piping hot, garnished with freshly chopped green onions or parsley, alongside your favorite sides such as crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a soul-satisfying meal.

Notes

Use Andouille Sausage: This smoked sausage adds authentic Cajun depth that’s hard to replicate.
Don’t Skip Quick Release: Releasing pressure immediately prevents overcooking the shrimp.
Toast Rice Slightly: Sauté rice with veggies to add a subtle nuttiness.
Fresh Shrimp is Best: If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before adding for even cooking.
Adjust Broth Amount: Too much broth can make the jambalaya soggy; measure carefully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Instant Pot Jambalaya, Cajun Jambalaya, Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya, One Pot Meal, Quick Cajun Recipe, Seafood Jambalaya