Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Dirty Rice Skillet

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Introduction

Meet your new weeknight hero: Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Dirty Rice, a bold one-pot meal packed with plump shrimp, smoky sausage, tender rice, and authentic Louisiana spices. This dish brings Southern-style comfort to your kitchen—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With just one skillet and 35 minutes, you can serve up a flavorful, vibrant dinner that’s sure to warm your soul and spice up your table.

Pro Tip

Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes in the skillet before adding broth—it gives the rice a nutty flavor and helps prevent clumping. This little step elevates your dish!

Serving Suggestions

Pair with cornbread: The sweetness complements the savory Cajun flavors.
Serve with a simple side salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Add a splash of hot sauce: For an extra kick during game nights or casual entertaining.

Variations

Make it spicy: Amp up the heat with extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Chicken swap: Replace shrimp with chicken breast or thigh for a different protein twist.
Rice-free option: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb, veggie-packed version.
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat, add extra veggies and mushrooms—serve with plant-based sausage for texture.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or Dutch oven – For cooking all ingredients in one pan.
Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir and prevent sticking.
Measuring spoons/cups – For accurately blending spices and broth.
Knife & cutting board – For prepping vegetables and proteins.

Tips for Success

Start with a hot pan to get a nice sauté on sausage and vegetables.
Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need 2–3 minutes until pink.
Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spices—seasoning is key.
Let it rest covered off-heat for 5 minutes after cooking; this makes the rice fluffier.
Garnish with green onions just before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan wonder combines multiple textures and bold flavors without fuss. It’s fast, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. You’ll love the smoky richness, the tender rice, and the ease of cleanup—making this a recipe you’ll revisit again and again.

Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Dirty Rice Skillet

Recipe Card

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 cup long-grain rice
8 oz smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa)
8 oz peeled shrimp
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2–3 Tbsp olive oil
1½ cups chicken broth (400 ml)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne; cook 1 minute.
Add sausage slices; sauté 3–4 minutes until slightly browned.
Add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Stir in uncooked rice to coat with spice mixture.
Pour in chicken broth; bring to simmer. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Return shrimp to pan; season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with chopped green onions; serve warm.