Skillet Shrimp Jambalaya is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish that brings the bold, spicy tastes of Louisiana to your dinner table. This classic Creole recipe combines succulent shrimp with smoky sausage, tender rice, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, seasoned tomato sauce. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with layers of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, Skillet Shrimp Jambalaya is both easy to prepare and sure to impress, making it a favorite for those who love a bit of spice and Southern comfort.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Seasonings:
- Stir in the uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice and spices with the vegetable mixture.
- Simmer the Jambalaya:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Once the rice is tender, add the browned sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf and season the jambalaya with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Skillet Shrimp Jambalaya is a delicious and hearty dish that captures the essence of Creole cooking. With its combination of spicy sausage, tender shrimp, and flavorful rice, this one-pan meal is both comforting and exciting, perfect for any occasion where you want to bring a taste of New Orleans to your table.
