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Slow Cooker Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp

Slow Cooker Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp

This Slow Cooker Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal loaded with smoky Andouille sausage, tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and authentic Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal effort while delivering a hearty, soul-satisfying taste of Louisiana.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats and Seafood

  • 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Spices and Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, thyme, and more)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté the Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage just until it releases its flavorful oils and starts to caramelize. This deepens the smoky flavor and prevents a greasy broth in the slow cooker.
  2. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the sautéed sausage, chopped green, red, and yellow bell peppers, onion, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juice, rice, and Cajun seasoning into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. The rice will absorb the spices and broth, swelling into a tender, flavorful base for the jambalaya.
  4. Add the Shrimp: About 20 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. This timing ensures the shrimp turn pink and tender without becoming rubbery, soaking up all the delicious jambalaya flavors.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and parsley over the jambalaya. These fresh herbs add a bright finish and a pop of color that enhances the dish’s appearance and taste.

Notes

  • Brown the sausage first to enrich the jambalaya’s smoky flavor.
  • Use the classic “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell peppers for authentic Cajun taste.
  • Opt for long-grain rice to keep the jambalaya fluffy and avoid mushiness.
  • Add shrimp near the end of cooking to keep them tender and prevent toughness.
  • Adjust the amount of chicken broth as needed, since slow cooker liquid needs may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker jambalaya, sausage and shrimp jambalaya, Cajun recipe, easy slow cooker meals, one pot dinner, comfort food, gluten free jambalaya