Instant Pot Shrimp Jambalaya

This Instant Pot shrimp jambalaya is made with shrimp, sausage and rice and comes together quickly and easily in the pressure cooker! It’s a classic southern recipe that’s packed with Cajun flavor!

We adore the flavors of this jambalaya risotto so much, I knew I had to make a traditional jambalaya recipe!

If you love jambalaya, you’ll want to try this recipe made in the Instant Pot. It’s quicker than stove top versions and it’s a little more hands off too! And while it may not be an authentic jambalaya recipe, the flavors are FIRE.

And if you're looking for more traditional recipe for jambalaya, definitely try this chicken jambalaya - it is delicious and easy to make and always a family hit.

What is jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a Cajun recipe made with sausage and chicken, and sometimes seafood, as well as the holy trinity of peppers, celery and onions. It’s typically made in one pot and is rich in Cajun flavor. 

There are two types of jambalaya - Cajun and Creole. The main difference between the two is that the Creole version, which is common in New Orleans, contains tomatoes and can also sometimes be called red jambalaya. 

Why this easy instant pot jambalaya recipe works

1. It’s a simple, one pot recipe that makes the perfect dinner for busy weeknights.
2. Using the Instant Pot means you can make jambalaya in less time than it takes to make it on the stovetop. It's so easy to make as the rice is cooked right with the rest of the ingredients (no need to cook it separately).
3. It tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead for easy dinners. It freezes well too, just like this instant pot red beans and rice we love so much!
4. It can be a meal on it's own, or served with a fried gator appetizer or these crawfish egg rolls!

Ingredients to make instant pot jambalaya

The following is an overview of some of the ingredients needed for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and quantities, please see the recipe card below.

You’ll need smoked sausage slices for this jambalaya. You can use any type of smoked sausage. Sometimes we use spicy Andouille sausage, which is a Cajun style spicy sausage made form pork with a smoky and spicy flavor.

Any long grain white rice (like jasmine rice) works for this instant pot recipe.

We use medium-sized shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. They can be fresh or frozen shrimp , just make sure to defrost them first if they’re frozen.

For a classic Jambalaya flavor, the recipe calls for Cajun seasoning. While you can use store-bought seasoning, this homemade Cajun seasoning is so much better!

Step by step instructions

STEP 1: Heat the Instant Pot on the sauté setting and add the oil.

STEP 4: Add the sherry and cook for 1 minute.

STEP 5: Add the seasonings, rice and chicken stock and stir to combine.

STEP 6: Pour the tomatoes on top - don't stir in (tomatoes can give the Instant Pot the burn warning and sometimes stick to the bottom of the inner pot).

STEP 7: Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Use a 5 minute natural release then release any remaining pressure.

STEP 8: Add the uncooked shrimp and sausage and put the lid back on, reclosing the vent. Let sit for 10 minutes to cook the shrimp.

STEP 9: Release any additional pressure build up. Stir to ensure the shrimp is cooked (they should be pink throughout). If not done, place the lid on for another 5-10 minutes.

Serve garnished with green onions and Louisiana hot sauce.

Expert tips for instant pot shrimp jambalaya

1. I recommend using long grain rice like jasmine or basmati.
2. Make sure your shrimp are medium size. Large or jumbo shrimp will take longer to cook.
3. To ensure the shrimp don’t overcook, wait to add them until the end.
4. You can use prawns or crawfish instead of shrimp.
5. Feel free to add some cooked chicken at the same time as you stir in the shrimp and sausage at the end.
6. For extra heat, just add more Cajun seasoning or a little cayenne pepper.
7. For the best results, use a non-stick insert for the Instant Pot.
8. When adding the tomatoes, don’t stir them in. This may cause a burn warning on the Instant Pot.
9. Be sure to drain the can of tomatoes so you don’t add too much liquid to the jambalaya. 
10. While the cooking time is just 8 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot, you’ll also need to factor in time for pressure to build and release as well as time for the shrimp to cook after the pressure has released.

Common questions

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