Get ready to transport your kitchen to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this mouthwatering Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya Casserole! This one-pan wonder is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines the smoky richness of sausage, the succulent sweetness of shrimp, and a symphony of Cajun spices that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9x13 inch baking casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sliced smoked sausage until it develops a golden color and releases its oils, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the vegetable flavors for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Add the browned sausage pieces, distributing them evenly across the dish.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, add peeled and deveined shrimp on top of the casserole, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Serve hot, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor depth - andouille sausage works wonderfully if you can find it.
- Don't skip toasting the rice in the skillet before baking; this step adds a nutty, rich undertone to the entire dish.
- For extra heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce before baking.
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp to prevent overcooking.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the rice to absorb remaining liquid and flavors to meld together.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free and use appropriate broth.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 383kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 108mg
