This vibrant one-pot recipe is a dinnertime favourite that is quick, and delicious. This dish has sweet and spicy flavors that comes together in this classic Cajun dish.
This Cajun rich dish is a classic combination of French and southern Louisiana cuisines. The seasonings are rich and robust in flavours when added to chicken, meats and vegetables.
WHAT IS CAJUN SEASONING?
Cajun seasoning first originate in Canada by the Acadian immigrants who moved to the south of America after fleeing in the 18th century. Cajun cuisine was originally inspired by rural French cooking and later adapted by geographical changes and cultural influences. This seasoning has southern Louisana influences, and consists of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, black pepper and cayenne pepper.
For this recipe, I suggest to whisk together the Cajun spices and herbs into a small bowl before adding it to the pot.
HELPFUL TIPS
It’s always a good idea to blend the Cajun seasoning together in a small bowl before adding it to the pot. This will help the spices and herbs distribute evenly.
I used a spicy pork sausage and any pork sausage would be delicious in this recipe. Andouille sausage is the most popular to add to this dish, as it has a smoky flavour that is added in Louisiana dishes. However, you don’t have to, to enjoy the delicious flavours this dish offers.
Can you use brown rice or white rice for this recipe? You can easily substitute the long grain rice for white rice without adding any additional water. However, since brown rice takes longer to cook, I would cook it in another sauce pot, then add it to the skillet the same time at the shrimp.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Cajun seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper
Remaining ingredients:
- extra virgin olive oil
- spicy pork sausage
- onion
- garlic
- celery
- coloured bell peppers
- roasted crunched tomatoes: diced tomatoes can be subsituted
- long grain rice
- chicken broth
- shrimp
- green onions
- parsley
If you decide to add chicken to this recipe, I would sauté it the same time as the sausage, and add another 1/2 tablespoon more of olive oil so the chicken won’t stick to the pan. Transfer them both on a plate and set aside until the vegetables are sautéed. If you have other vegetables on hand, feel free to add to this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:
First saute sausage in a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then stir in celery and peppers, continue to sauté for about one minute, then add garlic and sauté for one more minute. Then add the Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables.
Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, rice, and return the sausage back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the rice is cooked after 15-20 minutes, then stir in shrimp and simmer with lid on for another 3 minutes until shrimp is pink and cooked. Garnish with green onions and parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cajun Spicy Sausage and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Equipment
- 3-4 qt. (liter) heavy or cast iron pot
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning: 1 tbsp
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz spicy pork sausage, sliced
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- ½ orange bell pepper, sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 -14 oz roasted crunched tomatoes
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 8 oz shrimp
- 1 green onions, sliced for garnishing
- 2-3 tbsp parsley, chopped for garnishing
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, black pepper and cayenne pepper for the Cajun seasoning. Set aside
- In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add sausage, and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
- Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then stir in celery and peppers, continue to sauté for about one minute, then add garlic and sauté for one more minute. Then add the Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables.
- Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, rice, and return the sausage back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring 2-3 times. Add shrimp and simmer with lid on for another 3 minutes until shrimp is pink and cooked.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley if desired.
Nutrition
