Let’s be honest: some days, you just want a meal that wakes up your taste buds, fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and makes you feel like you’ve transported yourself straight to Louisiana—without booking a flight. Enter Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice!
This one-pot wonder is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and exciting but don’t have hours to fuss over dinner. Loaded with plump shrimp, smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and a spicy kick, it’s a dish that practically does a jazz dance in your skillet.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
- Quick yet impressive. Perfect for busy evenings when you want real comfort food without spending all night in the kitchen.
- Big, bold flavors. Smoky sausage, sweet shrimp, spicy Cajun seasoning—it’s a party in every bite.
- One-pot magic. Fewer dishes means more time to relax (or binge your favorite show).
- Versatile. Swap the shrimp for chicken or turkey sausage to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice to life:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (try chicken for a different twist)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille is classic; turkey sausage is a lighter choice)
- 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if you prefer)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (or use poblano for more heat)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How to Make Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
1. Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and your kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine.
This aromatic mix (often called the “Holy Trinity” in Cajun cooking) sets the stage for all that delicious flavor.
2. Add the Garlic and Sausage
Toss in the minced garlic and sliced sausage. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned and the garlic is fragrant. You’ll be tempted to sneak a taste here—and I say go for it!
3. Stir in the Rice and Broth
Pour in the rinsed rice and mix well with your sausage and veggies. Add the chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until combined.
Your pot should look like a beautiful, colorful mosaic at this point!
4. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice will soak up all those spicy, smoky juices, transforming into pure comfort food bliss.
5. Add the Shrimp
About 5 minutes before the rice is done, stir in the shrimp. Cover again and cook until the shrimp turn pink and firm—around 5 minutes.
Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
6. Taste and Adjust
Give your Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice a taste. Feel free to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if you’re feeling spicy!
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pop of freshness and color.
Scoop generous portions into bowls and get ready for rave reviews at your dinner table.
Aneta’s Kitchen Tip
If your rice looks a little too wet, just remove the lid and let it cook for another couple of minutes to evaporate some liquid. And if it looks too dry, add a splash of broth.
Pro Tip: Don’t stress if your shrimp are slightly overcooked—everyone will be too busy inhaling the smoky, savory rice to notice. Trust me—I’ve been there!
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice became my secret weapon for family gatherings after I made it one Easter, and my kids couldn’t stop going back for seconds. Now it’s my go-to dish whenever I want something bold and comforting without spending the entire day in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day—assuming there are any!

FAQs About Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
Can I substitute shrimp with something else?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey sausage, or even tofu work beautifully in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium kick from the Cajun seasoning. If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce the Cajun seasoning or skip the poblano pepper.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need more liquid. Plan on simmering for 35-40 minutes instead.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep your dirty rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Let’s Bring the Magic Home!
If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor and easy on effort, Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice is your new best friend. It’s smoky, savory, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting—and it’s sure to become a regular star in your dinner rotation.
I’d love to hear how your version turns out—feel free to drop a comment or tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Let’s keep discovering the magic of cooking, one tasty dish at a time!
Explore More Flavorful Recipes You’ll Love
If this Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice has sparked your appetite for bold flavors and easy meals, here are a few more delicious dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes you might enjoy. Check them out for your next kitchen adventure:
- Try another rice-based wonder with a burst of Mediterranean flavors in this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl — perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
- If you’re craving a Cajun twist, you’ll fall in love with the creamy, spicy goodness of Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
- For a comforting bake that’s just as satisfying as Dirty Rice, dive into this cheesy and hearty Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole.
- Want a shrimp and pasta combo that’s a flavor explosion? Don’t miss this indulgent Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta — it’s perfect for when you’re feeling fancy but still want an easy meal.
Explore these recipes to keep the delicious momentum going in your kitchen!
Print
Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A bold and flavorful one-pot meal, Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice brings together smoky sausage, tender shrimp, aromatic veggies, and spicy Cajun seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food with a kick!
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (preferably andouille; turkey sausage optional)
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if desired)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced (or poblano for heat)
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
Add minced garlic and sliced sausage. Cook another 4-5 minutes until sausage is browned and garlic is fragrant.
Stir in rinsed rice. Pour in chicken broth, then add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir until combined.
Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
About 5 minutes before rice is done, stir in shrimp. Cover and cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired.
Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Swap shrimp for chicken or turkey sausage for variety.
If rice seems too wet after cooking, uncover and simmer a few extra minutes.
Add a splash of extra broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
Leftovers taste fantastic the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470 Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg