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Easy Shrimp and Sausage Dirty Rice – Bold Cajun Flavor in One Hearty Skillet

This Easy Shrimp and Sausage Dirty Rice is a one-skillet wonder bursting with smoky, spicy, and savory goodness. Juicy shrimp and flavorful sausage are sautéed with Cajun spices, garlic, onions, and bell peppers, then tossed with fluffy rice for a satisfying Southern-style meal. It’s quick to make, packed with protein, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Serve it with hot sauce and fresh herbs for a bold finish that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine Cajun, Creole,, Southern
Servings 6 portions
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy skillet or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Optional: rice cooker (if cooking rice separately)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 12 oz (340 g) Andouille sausage, sliced (or smoked sausage)
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken or seafood stock
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: green onions & hot sauce for serving

Instructions
 

  • Brown the sausage
    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté vegetables
    In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
  • Cook shrimp
    Add shrimp, season lightly, and cook until pink (2–3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  • Toast rice & season
    Stir in uncooked rice. Let it toast for 1–2 minutes, then add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and bayleaf. Mix well.
  • Simmer with stock
    Pour in stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
  • Finish dish
    Remove bay leaf. Return sausage and shrimp to the pot, folding gently into rice. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce.
  • Garnish & serve
    Top with parsley or green onions. Serve hot with cornbread or collard greens.

Notes

  • Make-ahead tip: Cook rice and sausage in advance, then add fresh shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezer-friendly: Store cooled portions in freezer bags up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of stock.
  • Spice control: Adjust Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce to fit your preferred heat level.
Keyword Cajun shrimp rice, Creole rice dish, dirty rice, sausage and rice skillet, Southern comfort food