Get ready to transport your kitchen to the heart of New Orleans with this incredibly easy and irresistible Slow Cooker Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya! Imagine coming home to a rich, aromatic dish that's packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender shrimp, spicy sausage, and perfectly cooked rice - all prepared with minimal effort in your trusty slow cooker. This one-pot wonder is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by peeling and deveining shrimp, slicing sausage into rounds, and finely chopping bell pepper and onion.
- Lightly grease the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, combine sliced sausage, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion, creating an even base layer.
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker, stirring gently to distribute ingredients.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated with the spices.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for approximately
- 5 to 4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add peeled and deveined shrimp on top of the mixture, allowing them to steam and cook through.
- Once shrimp are pink and opaque, and rice is tender, turn off slow cooker and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Fluff rice with a fork, mix ingredients gently, and serve hot in deep bowls.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: For authentic flavor, use Andouille sausage if possible. If unavailable, a spicy smoked sausage works great.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Adding shrimp in the last 30 minutes prevents them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Rice Matters: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Avoid instant rice, which can become mushy.
- Let it Rest: The 10-minute resting period after cooking helps the flavors meld and the rice absorb any remaining liquid.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This jambalaya freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Garnish Options: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a bright, fresh finish to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 113mg
