Shrimp Jambalaya
This Shrimp Jambalaya recipe delivers a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, fresh shrimp, and aromatic vegetables in a comforting one-pot meal. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, bold, and family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shrimp and Proteins
- 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled shrimp
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
Grains
- 1 cup long grain white rice
Liquids and Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Prepare the Holy Trinity: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes, creating the flavor base for the jambalaya.
- Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the spices and develop deeper flavors.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Rice: Add diced tomatoes with their juices, then pour in the rice. Stir well to combine so the rice begins absorbing the seasoned vegetable mixture.
- Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the Shrimp: Fold the shrimp into the pot, cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp juicy and tender.
- Final Taste and Serve: Stir the jambalaya, taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or green onions for extra brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for best taste and texture.
- Don’t skip the onion, celery, and bell pepper combination known as the Holy Trinity for authentic flavor.
- Simmer gently to ensure rice cooks evenly and avoids burning or sticking.
- Adjust the spiciness to your preference gradually by modifying the Cajun seasoning amount.
- Allow the jambalaya to rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to meld the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Shrimp Jambalaya, Cajun, Seafood, One-Pot, Spicy Dinner, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free