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Cajun Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Sausage

Healthy Fact of the Day

This one-pot meal provides lean protein from shrimp while Andouille sausage adds smoky, authentic Cajun flavor. The combination of rice and protein creates a balanced, satisfying meal that's naturally filling.
Cajun Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Sausage

Cajun Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Sausage

Recipe by Daily Disher

Cajun Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Sausage features seasoned rice cooked with Andouille sausage, tender shrimp, bell peppers, and onions, spiced with paprika, cayenne, and thyme.

Course: MainCuisine: CajunDifficulty: Medium
5.0 from 4 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

480

kcal

50

minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup long grain rice

    • 2 cups chicken broth

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 0.5 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

    • 0.5 pound Andouille sausage, sliced

    • 1 onion, chopped

    • 1 bell pepper, chopped

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 teaspoon paprika

    • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

    • 0.5 teaspoon salt

    • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

    • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced

    Directions

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add sliced sausage. Cook until sausage is browned, about 5 minutes, then remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
    • In the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and aromatic, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
    • Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir well until the rice is lightly toasted, ensuring it absorbs the flavorful base.
    • Pour in chicken broth, then stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer, and then reduce heat to low.
    • Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and liquid is almost absorbed.
    • Add shrimp to the rice, cover, and continue to cook on low until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through, usually about 5 minutes.
    • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, gently mixing it with the rice and allowing all flavors to meld together for a final 3 minutes of cooking.
    • Garnish with sliced green onions before serving, providing a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy rice mix.

    Nutrition Facts

    • Total number of serves: 4
    • Calories: 480kcal
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 620mg
    • Potassium: 400mg
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 2mg

    This Cajun Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Sausage is authentic Louisiana comfort food that brings together smoky Andouille sausage, plump Gulf shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice in one glorious skillet. The “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking—onions, bell peppers, and garlic—provides the aromatic foundation, while paprika, cayenne, and thyme add layers of warmth and complexity. As the rice cooks in flavorful chicken broth, it absorbs all those incredible seasonings, creating a dish that’s both rustic and refined—the kind of meal that transports you straight to the bayou with every forkful.

    5.0 from 4 votes

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