It is a chilly fall evening. You want a meal that warms your soul. This shrimp and sausage dirty rice is the perfect choice for tonight. It brings the bold flavors of the South to your kitchen. You can have dinner ready in under an hour. It is simple, fresh, and totally delicious. Your whole family will ask for seconds tonight.

Making a meal from scratch can feel hard. This recipe makes it feel very easy. You do not need fancy tools or skills. Just fresh ingredients and one big pot. The smell of the spices will fill your home. It is a wonderful way to end your day. Let us get started on this tasty journey.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This recipe is a true weeknight winner for busy families. It combines smoky andouille sausage with succulent, juicy shrimp. The rice absorbs all the savory juices from the meats. You get a balanced and hearty meal in every single bite. It is great for parents who need something fast. You only need a few simple ingredients to start.

This dish feels like a special treat every time. It is perfect for those cozy fall nights at home. The Cajun spices provide a gentle, warming heat. It is not too spicy for the little ones. You can adjust the seasoning to your own taste easily. Everyone at the table will leave feeling full and happy. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a crowd.

Simple Method

Cooking this dish is very straightforward and fun. You start by browning the sausage in one pot. This creates a flavorful base for the whole meal. Next, you sauté the fresh vegetables until they are soft. The rice gets a quick toast in the pan too. This step makes the grains extra fluffy and delicious. Even beginner cooks can master this recipe easily.

You do not have to worry about complicated timing. The rice and broth do most of the work. You just need to keep the lid on tight. While the rice simmers, you can relax for a bit. The final toss at the end is so satisfying. You will see all the colors come together beautifully. It is a stress-free cooking experience for anyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses mostly simple pantry staples and fresh produce.

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups chicken stock
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

In a large Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
Sauté for 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme.
Cook for 1 minute until the spices smell wonderful.
Add the dry rice to the pot and stir for 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock and the Worcestershire sauce.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
While rice cooks, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
In a separate skillet, sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side.
Once the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork.
Fold in the cooked sausage, seared shrimp, and fresh herbs.
Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this shrimp and sausage dirty rice steaming hot. Use wide bowls so you can see all the ingredients. Garnish with extra green onions for a fresh, bright crunch. A side of buttery cornbread is a perfect match for this. You could also add a crisp green salad on the side. The cool greens balance the warm Cajun flavors very well.

If you like extra heat, keep hot sauce on the table. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice zing. This meal is great for a casual family dinner. It also works well for a weekend potluck with friends. Set the table, light a candle, and enjoy your meal. Create a cozy atmosphere for your loved ones tonight.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually get better after sitting for a night. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or stock to keep rice moist. You can also use a microwave for a quick lunch. This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep day. You can even freeze it for up to one month.

Tips for Best Results

Do not skip browning the sausage for the best flavor.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
Avoid lifting the lid while the rice is simmering.
Pat the shrimp dry before searing to get a good crust.
Use fresh garlic instead of the jarred kind for better aroma.
Adjust the salt carefully as Cajun seasoning often contains salt.
For a holiday twist, double the batch for a larger group.
Add a handful of fresh summer peppers if they are in season.

Ways to Switch It Up

Swap the shrimp for diced chicken thighs for a meatier version.
Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Add a cup of frozen peas at the end for color.
Use a spicy chorizo sausage instead of andouille for more heat.
Swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock to keep it lighter.

Quick Answers

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they sear nicely.

How do I know when the rice is done?

The rice is done when all the liquid is absorbed. It should be tender to the bite but not mushy. Let it rest for five minutes to finish steaming perfectly.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning brand. Most provide a mild to medium heat that is family-friendly. You can always add more spice if you like it hot.

I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. It is such a joy to share a warm meal together. Give it a try and let every bite comfort you.

— Lidia

Shrimp and Sausage Dirty Rice

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Servings 6 servings

Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 cups long -grain white rice
4 cups chicken stock
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 stalks celery , finely diced
3 cloves garlic , minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the remaining fat in the pot. Sauté for 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the dry rice to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to toast the grains.
Pour in the chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
While rice cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate skillet, sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
Once the rice is done, fluff with a fork. Gently fold in the cooked sausage, seared shrimp, green onions, and parsley.
Cover and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Easy Shrimp and Sausage Dirty Rice: A Cozy One-Pot Meal