Kitchies! If you love big, bold Cajun flavors, then this Instant Pot Jambalaya is about to become your new go-to meal. There’s just something magical about the way juicy shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and tender chicken come together with Cajun-spiced rice in a rich, savory broth. And the best part? This hearty Louisiana classic is made quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot!
Jambalaya is one of those dishes that always brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm, comforting, and full of spice, this recipe delivers. Traditional jambalaya can take quite a bit of time to cook, but thanks to the Instant Pot, we cut down the cooking time while keeping all the incredible flavors intact. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s bursting with authentic New Orleans vibes.
The first time I made this, my husband walked in, took one whiff of the kitchen, and immediately said, “Oh wow, this smells like something straight out of a Louisiana kitchen!” And trust me, it tastes just as good as it smells.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Jambalaya
✔ One-Pot Meal – Less mess, fewer dishes!
✔ Fast & Easy – Traditional jambalaya takes hours, but the Instant Pot gets it done in 30 minutes.
✔ Big Bold Cajun Flavor – Smoky, spicy, and completely delicious.
✔ Protein-Packed – A hearty mix of chicken, sausage, and shrimp.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Our Family’s Love for Jambalaya
The first time I made jambalaya at home, it was for a Sunday dinner with my family. I wanted something flavorful yet easy to pull together, and the Instant Pot made it a breeze. As soon as the pressure released and I lifted the lid, the aroma of Cajun spices filled the kitchen—it smelled just like a Louisiana street festival!
I scooped out bowls of the fluffy, spicy rice with big pieces of shrimp and sausage, and everyone immediately dug in. Let’s just say, no one talked for a solid five minutes—they were too busy enjoying every bite. Now, this jambalaya has become one of our most-requested dinners, especially when we need something warm and comforting.
Why This Instant Pot Jambalaya Stands Out
What Makes It Special?
This jambalaya packs ALL the rich, smoky, spicy flavors of the classic dish, but it’s done in a fraction of the time.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken, Sausage, & Shrimp – A trio of proteins makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Cajun Seasoning – A bold blend of spices that gives jambalaya its signature kick.
- Bell Peppers, Celery, and Onion – Known as the “Holy Trinity” of Cajun cooking.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Adds depth and a slight smokiness.
- Long-Grain Rice – Cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot, absorbing all the flavors.
Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Tips for the Best Jambalaya
✔ Use Andouille Sausage – This smoky, spicy sausage gives the dish its signature flavor.✔ Rinse the Rice – This prevents it from becoming too sticky.✔ Don’t Stir After Adding Rice – This helps avoid the dreaded Burn Notice.✔ Let the Shrimp Steam – Instead of pressure cooking, adding shrimp at the end keeps them plump and juicy.
Substitutions & Variations
✔ No Shrimp? Swap it for crawfish or extra chicken.✔ Make It Spicier – Add extra Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños.✔ Low-Carb Option – Use cauliflower rice (stir it in after pressure cooking).✔ Vegetarian Jambalaya – Skip the meat and use mushrooms, okra, and beans.
Make It Healthier
- Use brown rice (increase cooking time to 15 minutes).
- Opt for turkey sausage instead of andouille.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and seasoning.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it—Instant Pot Jambalaya that’s bursting with bold flavors, perfectly cooked rice, and juicy shrimp! This dish is truly a Cajun comfort food classic made faster and easier with the Instant Pot.
If you love one-pot meals with a spicy kick, this is a must-try recipe. Try it out, and let me know what you think! 🍛🔥
Recipe Categories:
Dinner | Cajun | One-Pot Meals | Instant Pot | Meal Prep
Tags: #Jambalaya #CajunCooking #InstantPotMeals #SpicyFood #OnePotDinner
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Instant Pot Jambalaya
Description
If you love big, bold Cajun flavors, then this Instant Pot Jambalaya is about to become your new go-to meal. There’s just something magical about the way juicy shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and tender chicken come together with Cajun-spiced rice in a rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Grains & Garnish:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until browned. Add the sausageand cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir well. Add the rinsed rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed (do NOT stir after adding rice to prevent burning).
Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Stir in the shrimp, close the lid, and let sit for 5 minutes (residual heat will cook the shrimp perfectly). Open the lid, fluff the rice, and garnish with green onions.
Spoon into bowls and serve hot with extra hot sauce or a side of cornbread!
