Crockpot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya is a hearty, flavor-packed dish inspired by classic Louisiana comfort food. This slow-cooker version captures all the bold, smoky, and savory flavors of traditional jambalaya while making the process simple and stress-free. With tender shrimp, smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish delivers warmth and depth in every bite. Cooking it in a crockpot allows the spices to slowly blend together, creating a rich and satisfying meal that feels both comforting and celebratory. It is ideal for busy weekdays, family dinners, or casual gatherings when you want something filling and full of character.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings bold, comforting Cajun flavors together with the ease of a slow cooker. The smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice absorb all the spices as they cook, creating a rich, hearty dish that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove. Every bite is packed with warmth, depth, and satisfying flavor.What makes this recipe truly special is how effortless it is. The crockpot does all the work, making it perfect for busy days, gatherings, or family dinners.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

Crockpot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya is a must-try because it delivers bold, Louisiana-inspired flavor with incredible ease. The smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice slowly come together in the crockpot, allowing the spices to meld into a rich, deeply satisfying dish. Every bite is hearty, savory, and packed with comforting warmth.What truly sets this recipe apart is its convenience and reliability. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy days, gatherings, or meal prep—yet it still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, and Servings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun and Creole

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Cooking Directions

This recipe is prepared by layering seasoned vegetables, rice, sausage, and broth in a crockpot, then finishing with shrimp near the end for perfectly tender results.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the sliced sausage. This step adds extra flavor.
2. Add the browned sausage to the crockpot.
3. Place diced onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic into the crockpot.
4. Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
5. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
6. Mix everything well to ensure the rice is evenly submerged.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the rice is tender.
8. Add the shrimp during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
9. Stir gently, cover, and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green onions. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with cornbread, a simple green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Recipe Tips

• Add shrimp near the end to avoid overcooking.
• Use smoked sausage for the best flavor.
• Stir gently to prevent breaking the shrimp.
• Adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
• Rinse rice briefly if you prefer less starch.

Variations in Detail

Chicken Jambalaya: Replace shrimp with chicken thighs added at the beginning.
Seafood Jambalaya: Add crab meat or scallops along with shrimp.
Spicy Jambalaya: Increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
Brown Rice Version: Use brown rice and add extra broth with longer cooking time.
Vegetable Jambalaya: Skip meat and add zucchini, mushrooms, and okra.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Skillet for browning sausage
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely before adding to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

What type of sausage works best?
Andouille sausage is traditional, but smoked sausage works well.

Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce Cajun seasoning and omit cayenne pepper.

Conclusion

Crockpot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya is a bold, comforting dish that brings the heart of Cajun cooking into your kitchen with ease. With smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. It is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that works beautifully for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep, making it a recipe worth returning to again and again.