Name: Easy Jambalaya Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced; 1 small sweet onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 1/2 cups basmati rice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 1/2 cups chicken stock; 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a dish that bursts with flavor, colors your plate beautifully, and hugs your soul with every bite, I have just the thing for you. This Easy Jambalaya is a vibrant celebration of smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked rice mingling with bold spices in a single pot. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for company but is so straightforward you’ll want to make it on a weeknight. Trust me, this dish brings a little bit of Louisiana magic right to your kitchen, and once you taste it, you’ll be planning your next batch before you even finish your first bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Easy Jambalaya, you only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays an important role, enhancing the dish’s signature smoky, spicy, and vibrant taste profile while keeping everything balanced and inviting.

Vegetable oil: The perfect medium for sautéing, adding a light base that lets other ingredients shine.
Smoked andouille sausage: Thinly sliced for maximum smoky, spicy flavor and satisfying texture.
Sweet onion: Diced finely, it softens and adds a natural sweetness that mellows the spices.
Red and green bell peppers: Diced to bring colorful pops and a fresh crunch to the stew.
Basmati rice: Its fluffy texture ensures every grain stays separate, soaking up flavors without sticking.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse aromatic depth and warmth.
Sweet paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
Dried oregano: For a hint of dried herbal brightness.
Onion powder: To deepen that savory onion flavor effortlessly.
Dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness and complexity.
Bay leaf: Enhances all the layers with its earthy, slightly floral essence.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors to your taste.
Chicken stock: The hearty liquid base that melds all ingredients perfectly.
Petite diced tomatoes: Add natural acidity and a bit of tangy sweetness in bursts.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a rich, thick sauce.
Hot sauce: A touch of heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined for tender seafood goodness that cooks quickly.
Fresh parsley: Chopped at the end to add fresh herbal brightness and color.

How to Make Easy Jambalaya

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced smoked andouille sausage, sweet onion, and both red and green bell peppers. Stirring occasionally, cook them until the vegetables have softened and the sausage releases its smoky aroma, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step creates the flavorful foundation of your jambalaya, setting the stage for every other ingredient to shine.

Step 2: Add Rice and Seasonings

Once the sausage and veggies are tender, stir in the basmati rice, minced garlic, sweet paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast slightly and become fragrant. This technique unlocks the spices’ full potential, infusing every grain of rice and hinting at the richness to come.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock, petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot sauce, then stir everything together. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. At this point, the flavors meld beautifully, and the rice begins absorbing the savory, spicy broth, thickening into that classic jambalaya texture we all adore.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking

After the simmering stage, gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover the pot again and cook for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and curl up, indicating they’re perfectly cooked. Stir in the fresh parsley leaves last—this adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire dish.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your Easy Jambalaya piping hot right from the pot. The combination of smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and spiced rice is a heartwarming meal that’s ready in under an hour—perfect for when you want comfort on a busy day.

How to Serve Easy Jambalaya

Garnishes

While the recipe shines on its own, feel free to garnish with additional fresh parsley or even thinly sliced green onions to add a crisp, colorful contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can also elevate the flavors further, cutting through the richness with a bit of zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

Serving Easy Jambalaya with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or warm crusty bread works beautifully. For something a bit more indulgent, creamy coleslaw or a bowl of buttery cornbread provides a wonderful textural complement, balancing the spice and savoriness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Whether you want to impress guests or just enjoy a twist on tradition, try serving your Easy Jambalaya in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for rustic charm. You can also garnish with crispy fried okra or sprinkle on some shredded cheese for a fun fusion take that still stays true to the dish’s soulful roots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Jambalaya tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to mingle. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to help restore moisture and keep the rice fluffy.

Freezing

You can freeze Easy Jambalaya for longer storage. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a little broth or water if it seems too dry. Heating gently preserves the shrimp’s tenderness and keeps the rice from becoming mushy, ensuring your Easy Jambalaya stays delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for Easy Jambalaya?

While basmati rice is recommended for its texture and aroma, you can use long-grain white rice as an alternative. Just make sure to adjust the liquid amounts slightly and keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this dish without shrimp?

Absolutely! If shrimp isn’t your preference or you have dietary restrictions, you can omit it or replace it with diced chicken or extra sausage. The dish will still be bursting with flavor and just as satisfying.

How spicy is this Easy Jambalaya?

The recipe carries a gentle heat from the hot sauce and andouille sausage. If you want more kick, feel free to add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce, but it’s easily adjusted to suit your spice level.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a gathering?

Yes, you can prepare Easy Jambalaya a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat before serving. Just add fresh parsley at the end to keep the flavors bright and garnish just before serving to keep it looking vibrant.

What if I don’t have smoked andouille sausage?

If you can’t find andouille, a smoked kielbasa or any smoky, well-seasoned sausage works well. The smoky flavor is key, so choose the closest substitute to maintain that authentic jambalaya taste.

Final Thoughts

Easy Jambalaya isn’t just dinner—it’s a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with warmth. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether for a casual family meal or a lively dinner party. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to savor a dish that’s as exciting to make as it is to eat.

Easy Jambalaya Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Easy Jambalaya recipe is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal combining smoky andouille sausage, tender shrimp, aromatic spices, and basmati rice simmered in a rich tomato and chicken stock broth. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it brings classic Cajun flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Instructions

Cook sausage and vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage, diced onion, and diced red and green bell peppers. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Add rice and spices: Stir in the basmati rice, minced garlic, sweet paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken stock, petite diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the flavors blend together, roughly 15 minutes.
Cook shrimp: Stir in the peeled and deveined medium shrimp. Season again with salt and pepper if needed. Cover the pot and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the rice is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before the final stir.
Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley leaves for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve the jambalaya immediately while hot for the best taste.

Notes

You can substitute basmati rice with long-grain rice if preferred.
If you want to make this dish spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken stock and hot sauce are gluten-free.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
The andouille sausage can be replaced with smoked kielbasa if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Cajun