Cajun Shrimp and Sausage over Creole Rice is a bold, spicy, and satisfying dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Louisiana. Juicy shrimp and smoky sausage are cooked in a flavorful Cajun seasoning blend and served over vibrant Creole-style rice for a hearty Southern meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers big flavor in every bite. It’s quick to make, rich in spice, and loaded with protein. The pairing of shrimp and sausage creates a delicious contrast of textures, while the Creole rice provides a fragrant, savory base. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever you crave bold, comforting food.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creole Rice
- Long-grain white rice
- Onion, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Green bell pepper, chopped
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Chicken broth or water
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
directions
- Cook rice: In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Add rice and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove bay leaf.
- While rice cooks, season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and curled. Return sausage to the pan, add garlic, and sauté for 1–2 more minutes.
- Optional: Squeeze lemon juice over the top and stir to combine.
- Serve shrimp and sausage mixture over the Creole rice. Garnish with parsley.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Extra heat: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetable additions: Okra, corn, or peas can be stirred into the rice.
- Protein swap: Use chicken, crab, or crawfish instead of shrimp.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat shrimp and sausage gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking. The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of water. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the shrimp’s texture after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to heat through so they don’t overcook.
What kind of sausage works best?
Andouille is traditional, but smoked kielbasa or chorizo are great alternatives.
Is Cajun seasoning the same as Creole seasoning?
Not exactly. Cajun tends to be spicier, while Creole is more herbaceous.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.
What can I serve with this dish?
Cornbread, sautéed greens, or a side salad pair nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free.
Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and add more herbs instead.
Can I cook the rice ahead of time?
Yes, reheated Creole rice works well and saves time.
How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook just until they curl and turn opaque—usually 2–3 minutes per side.
Can I add a sauce to this dish?
A light tomato-based or creamy Cajun sauce can be added for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage over Creole Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking. It’s bold, filling, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings. With its rich spices and hearty textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintCajun Shrimp and Sausage over Creole Rice
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage over Creole Rice is a spicy, flavorful Southern-inspired dish combining plump shrimp and smoky sausage with bold Cajun seasoning, served over a bed of savory Creole rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add rice, diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Meanwhile, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a separate pan or cleared section of the skillet, cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Return sausage to the pan, stir everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Andouille sausage works great for added smoky flavor.
- For a one-pan version, cook shrimp and sausage directly in the rice mixture in the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 175mg