One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe

You’re going to absolutely love this One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe because it’s a one-pan wonder that brings all those bold, comforting flavors together without a mountain of dishes to wash after. I first discovered this recipe when I was craving a hassle-free dinner packed with hearty sausage and fresh shrimp—two of my favorites. The way the rice soaks up the fragrant broth along with the spices and juicy bits from the sausage really makes this dish special.

What makes this One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe stand out is how easy and versatile it is. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting friends and want something impressive but simple, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means the flavors meld beautifully, and you get that satisfying, cozy finish every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe plays a key role in balancing smoky, fresh, and savory flavors while keeping it straightforward to shop for. Here’s a bit about why these choices work so well together.

• Turkey kielbasa: I love using turkey kielbasa for a lighter twist that still caramelizes beautifully and adds loads of smoky flavor.
• Olive oil spray: Keeps things just lightly coated, helping to brown ingredients without extra grease.
• Bell peppers: Add a pop of color and a sweet crunch that contrasts perfectly with the meats.
• Onion: Classic aromatic that softens and adds depth to the dish.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halving these lets their juicy acidity brighten the whole pot.
• Spices (paprika, oregano, onion powder, cayenne, kosher salt): These bring layers of flavor and a subtle kick that really wakes up the rice.
• White rice: It’s the perfect starch to soak up all those tasty juices.
• Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish flavorful but not too salty, allowing you to control seasoning at the end.
• Shrimp: Adds succulent seafood goodness that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with sausage.
• Scallions: Tossed on top for a fresh, crisp finish and a splash of color.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own by swapping proteins, veggies, or spices to match your mood or dietary needs.

• Spice it up: I’ve added extra cayenne or even a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky heat that my spice-loving friends rave about.
• Veggie swap: Sometimes I toss in chopped zucchini or mushrooms when I want more veggies—these soak up the broth beautifully.
• Protein tweaks: Tried using chorizo instead of kielbasa once—super flavorful! If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with smoked tofu and add extra veggies.
• Keto friendly: Skip the rice and serve the sausage and shrimp over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still tastes amazing.

How to Make One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa to Build Flavor

Start by slicing the turkey kielbasa into thin 1/4 inch rounds. Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat and spray the bottom lightly with olive oil spray. Add the kielbasa slices and let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they develop a nice brown crust. This step is essential—it’s where that deep, smoky flavor really develops, so resist the urge to rush it.

Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onions Until Tender

Dice the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces and add them right into the pot with the browned kielbasa. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring to soften the veggies and let their natural juices start to mingle with the sausage flavors. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot—these add fantastic savory depth.

Step 3: Add Spices, Tomatoes, and Rice

Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt—you’ll notice the kitchen start to smell amazing. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and stir well, then mix in the uncooked white rice. This is where it all starts to come together, so make sure everything’s combined nicely before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it toward the end and tasting the rice to ensure it’s tender but not mushy—that perfect tender bite really makes the dish.

Step 5: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking

Once the rice is cooked, add the raw shrimp evenly on top and gently stir them into the pot. Cover again and let the shrimp cook for about 5 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. This quick cooking preserves their juicy texture and keeps them from getting rubbery, which is a game-changer.

Step 6: Stir in Scallions and Adjust Seasoning

Chop fresh scallions and toss them in for a bright, fresh pop of flavor right at the end. Give everything a gentle stir and taste for seasoning—this is when I like to add a little extra salt or more cayenne if I want a bit more heat. Trust me, taking this last step to taste really elevates the dish.

How to Serve One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions because they brighten the whole meal and add just a mild oniony crunch. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few chopped fresh parsley leaves to bring out a fresh zing, which pairs nicely with the savory sausage and shrimp.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides here are simple—something light like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted veggies such as asparagus or broccoli. They balance the richness of the sausage and shrimp beautifully without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like to serve this One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe right from the pot in the center of the table so everyone can dig in family-style. Sometimes, I garnish with bright red pepper flakes, extra scallions, and lemon wedges arranged artfully to add color and freshness for a festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they last for about 3 days. The rice might soak up some liquid overnight, so stirring before reheating helps return the texture to perfection.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well if you want to save portions for later. I recommend freezing in individual containers and thawing in the fridge overnight to keep the shrimp from turning rubbery. Just be aware some texture change in the rice is normal after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking. This brings the rice back to life and warms the shrimp without overcooking. The microwave works in a pinch too, with short bursts and stirring between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Sausage, Shrimp, and Rice Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos whenever I want a big comforting meal with minimal fuss. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like a celebration but without complicated prep. If you try it—even once—you’ll see why it quickly becomes a family favorite. So grab your pot, and give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor and goodness comes from just one pot!

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