Instant Pot Jambalaya is the ultimate easy-to-make Cajun comfort food packed with flavorful andouille sausage, shrimp, and chicken in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. This one-pot seafood jambalaya recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Made with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onions, and celery, it’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish that requires minimal effort, thanks to the Instant Pot. Whether you’re a fan of spicy jambalaya or looking for an easy seafood jambalaya recipe, this dish will leave you satisfied and craving more. Low-carb and gluten-free options are available with slight modifications. Get ready to enjoy a quick jambalaya that’s just as delicious as the traditional version but without all the time-consuming steps!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
1 pound andouille sausage (sliced into ½”-thick pieces)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 medium green bell pepper (chopped)
1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Instructions:

Sauté sausage: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Once the oil is hot, add andouille sausage slices. Sauté for 3 minutes, flipping the sausage over, and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Cook chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the Instant Pot. Once heated, add the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté vegetables: Add the remaining oil and sauté chopped onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic in the Instant Pot. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the onion turns translucent.
Add seasonings and rice: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and uncooked rice. Sauté for about 1 minute until the rice is well-coated with the spices.
Pressure cook: Press the Cancel button to turn off Sauté mode. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes. When the cook time ends, use the Quick Release to release the steam and carefully remove the lid.
Add shrimp and proteins: Add the shrimp, sausage, and chicken back into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine the proteins with the rice mixture.
Finish cooking: Close the lid again and let the Instant Pot sit for 5-10 minutes with the residual heat to fully cook the shrimp.
Serve: Once the shrimp are fully cooked, portion the jambalaya into serving bowls and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Jambalaya is a one-pot, hearty dish packed with flavors of the South! The combination of andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce is satisfying and comforting. With the Instant Pot, you get all the flavor of traditional jambalaya with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Tips

Rice tip: Ensure the rice is well-coated with the seasoning before pressure cooking to give it maximum flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Adding shrimp after pressure cooking and letting the residual heat cook them ensures they stay tender and juicy.
Quick release: Be sure to do a quick release after pressure cooking to prevent overcooking the ingredients.

Variations and Substitutions

Add more vegetables: For extra nutrition, try adding additional vegetables like zucchini or tomatoes.
Spicier jambalaya: If you like extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Substitute meats: Feel free to swap the chicken or sausage with other proteins like pork or tofu for a vegetarian version.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice? Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Set the Instant Pot to cook for 22-25 minutes if you’re using brown rice.
Can I make this ahead? Yes, jambalaya can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful jambalaya with a side of crispy garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance out the spices. Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a cold beer for the perfect Southern meal.

Suggestions

For a variation, try adding chopped okra or bell peppers for extra flavor. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings because it’s easy to make and serves a crowd!