Description
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp combining smoky andouille sausage, tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, long-grain rice, and Cajun spices. This easy, one-pot recipe delivers a comforting and bold Cajun-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (green or red)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Spices and Herbs
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, celery, and bell peppers finely. Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces and peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Having everything ready before you start makes assembly quick and easy.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Add the diced onions, celery, and bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer in the sliced sausage, followed by the rinsed rice and diced tomatoes. Pour over the chicken broth and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly. Add minced garlic and toss in the bay leaves for flavor depth.
- Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The rice should be tender and all flavors melded beautifully. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily to keep the heat steady.
- Add the Shrimp: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp, allowing it to cook gently until pink and opaque to keep it juicy and tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves, stir the jambalaya well, and adjust seasoning with salt or extra Cajun seasoning if needed. Your dish is now ready to serve!
Notes
- Brown the Sausage First: For extra flavor, sear the sliced sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice under cold water before use to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Layer Smartly: Place denser ingredients like onions and celery on the bottom for even cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Add shrimp late in the cooking process to keep it tender.
- Use Low and Slow: Cooking on low helps develop deep flavors without overcooking the rice.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 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: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg