Easy Jambalaya – One Pot Louisiana-Style Comfort Food

Easy Jambalaya is the ultimate one pot dinner packed with bold flavor, tender shrimp, smoky sausage, vibrant peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice. This hearty Louisiana classic comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a pile of dishes.

If you love big flavor with minimal effort, Easy Jambalaya delivers every time. The sausage adds smokiness, the shrimp bring sweetness, and the rice soaks up every bit of the rich tomato and spice-infused broth. Best of all, everything cooks together in one pot for easy cleanup.

The first time I made jambalaya at home, I expected it to be complicated. I had always thought of it as a dish that required careful technique and multiple steps. Instead, I discovered how simple and forgiving it really is. Once the sausage browned and the spices bloomed in the pot, the aroma alone made it clear this would be a new favorite. When I stirred in the shrimp at the end and watched them turn perfectly pink, I realized this Easy Jambalaya would become a regular in my kitchen.

Easy Jambalaya is a one pot Louisiana classic with shrimp, sausage, peppers and rice ready in 45 minutes.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Louisiana

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 12.8 ounces smoked andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, uncooked
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat oil in Dutch oven. Cook sausage, onion and peppers until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in rice, garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant.
3. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and hot sauce. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.
5. Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2200IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Use uncooked rice. Add shrimp at the end to prevent overcooking. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Why You'll Love This Easy Jambalaya

A True One Pot Dinner

Easy Jambalaya simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. First, you brown the sausage and vegetables. Then you stir in rice, spices, tomatoes, and stock. Finally, the shrimp cook gently in the flavorful mixture.

Because the rice absorbs all the broth and seasoning, every bite bursts with bold Cajun flavor. Meanwhile, cleanup stays minimal. One pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner.

Bold, Authentic Flavor Made Simple

Easy Jambalaya blends smoky sausage, sweet shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and classic spices into one cohesive dish. Paprika, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf build warmth and depth. Tomato paste adds richness without making the dish overly saucy.

Unlike gumbo, which has a thick roux and more broth, Easy Jambalaya cooks the rice directly in the pot. As a result, it feels hearty and filling while still remaining simple to prepare.

Key Ingredients for Easy Jambalaya

The Proteins

This Easy Jambalaya recipe uses two classic proteins:

• Smoked andouille sausage
• Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Andouille sausage brings smoky, spicy flavor. Shrimp add sweetness and lightness. Because shrimp cook quickly, you add them at the end to prevent overcooking.

If needed, you can substitute:

• Chicken sausage
• Kielbasa
• Cooked rotisserie chicken
• Extra sausage

The recipe remains flexible and forgiving.

The Rice and Vegetables

Long-grain rice works best for Easy Jambalaya. Basmati rice cooks quickly and stays fluffy, making it an excellent option.

The vegetables include:

• Sweet onion
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic

These ingredients form the aromatic base of the dish. As they soften in the pot, they release natural sweetness that balances the spices.

The Flavor Builders

The signature depth of Easy Jambalaya comes from:

• Chicken stock
• Petite diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Hot sauce

Using good-quality, low-sodium stock ensures better flavor control. Tomato paste thickens and intensifies the base. A splash of hot sauce adds gentle heat.

How to Make Easy Jambalaya Step by Step

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables

Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add sliced andouille sausage, diced onion, and bell peppers. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the sausage begins to brown.

This step builds the foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Add Rice and Spices

Stir in the rice, garlic, paprika, oregano, onion powder, thyme, and bay leaf.

Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Toasting the rice lightly enhances texture and flavor.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Jambalaya

Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the broth and spices.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Once the rice is nearly tender, stir in the shrimp.

Cover again and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Remove the bay leaf and stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Easy Jambalaya

Use a Heavy Pot

A Dutch oven distributes heat evenly and prevents the rice from sticking or burning. Even cooking ensures fluffy rice and fully developed flavor.

Don't Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly. Add them only at the end and cook just until pink. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.

Adjust the Heat

For a spicier Easy Jambalaya, add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce.

Let It Rest

Allow the jambalaya to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors settle and the rice finish absorbing moisture.

What to Serve with Easy Jambalaya

Although Easy Jambalaya works perfectly on its own, you can serve it with:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• Garlic bread
• Skillet dinner rolls
• A simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli or glazed carrots

A splash of classic Louisiana hot sauce adds authentic finishing flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Easy Jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of stock or water to prevent dryness.

For freezer meal prep, portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I use cooked or uncooked rice?

Use uncooked rice. It cooks directly in the seasoned broth.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp under cold water before adding them to the pot.

Can I make it without shrimp?

Absolutely. Replace shrimp with chicken, turkey, or additional sausage.

What's the difference between jambalaya and gumbo?

Jambalaya cooks rice in the pot with the ingredients. Gumbo is a stew served over rice.

Does it reheat well?

Yes. Add a splash of stock when reheating to restore moisture.

Conclusion

Easy Jambalaya brings together smoky sausage, tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and bold Cajun spices in one comforting pot. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this Louisiana-inspired favorite becomes an approachable weeknight staple.

Because it's flexible and forgiving, you can easily adapt Easy Jambalaya to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, packed with shrimp or loaded with chicken, this one pot meal delivers big flavor with effortless cleanup.