Looking for a bold, flavor-packed dinner that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? Say hello to Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice—a one-pan wonder loaded with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender rice, and Cajun spices that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana. It’s hearty, spicy, and downright comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dirty rice is a total winner. Bonus: It all comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight hero!
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Why You’ll Love Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice isn’t just tasty—it’s a total flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to make. You’ll love how the smoky sausage and tender shrimp mingle with spicy Cajun seasoning and fluffy rice for a satisfying, one-skillet meal. It’s great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for lunches, and it’s easily customizable based on what you have in the fridge. Plus, cleanup is a breeze (hello, one pan!). Whether you’re new to Cajun-style cooking or a longtime fan, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced (like Andouille or kielbasa)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
This dish comes together in one pan, making it both easy to cook and easy to clean up. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
- Prep the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning. Set aside. - Sauté the sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. - Cook the veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. - Toast the rice
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to coat and let it toast for 2–3 minutes. - Add broth and seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together. - Simmer the rice
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Cook the shrimp
Once the rice is done, gently fold in the shrimp and cooked sausage. Cover again and let it sit off the heat for 5–7 minutes. The residual heat will cook the shrimp perfectly. - Garnish and serve
Fluff the rice, then top with green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This dish is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and homemade. It’s perfect for weeknights or even casual dinner parties!
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Tips and Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few easy ways to switch things up or simplify:
- Swap the protein: No shrimp? Use chicken, turkey sausage, or just double the sausage.
- Go veggie: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning if you like it fiery.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese for a creamy twist.
- Add greens: Toss in spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Rice options: Jasmine or brown rice works too—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Storage
Got leftovers? No problem—this dish stores like a dream!
- Refrigerator: Let the dirty rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze it! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between rounds, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage like Andouille adds the most flavor, but kielbasa or even spicy Italian sausage work great too.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
You can, but skip the broth and adjust the steps—add the cooked rice when combining with the shrimp and sausage, just long enough to heat through.
What vegetables can I add?
Diced tomatoes, corn, okra, or even zucchini all make great add-ins.
Can I make this in advance?
Definitely! It reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice is everything you want in a quick and satisfying dinner—bold flavor, easy cleanup, and ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, feeding a hungry crowd, or just spicing up your weekly meal rotation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a Southern favorite that never goes out of style.
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