Hearty Savory Shrimp and Sausage Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Bubbling with rich, southern charm, this hearty shrimp and sausage stew brings New Orleans flavor right to your kitchen.

The robust combination of tender shrimp and spicy andouille sausage creates a mouthwatering meal that dances with bold Creole seasonings.

Fragrant herbs and robust spices meld together, promising a culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Packed with layers of deep, complex flavors, this stew delivers comfort in every single bite.

Fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques ensure an authentic taste that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Louisiana.

Quick to prepare and impossibly delicious, this one-pot wonder will become your new go-to meal for satisfying hunger and impressing dinner guests.

Dive into this Southern classic and let your taste buds celebrate a true culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Savory Shrimp and Sausage Stew: What You’ll Need

• Sausage: Hearty meat that adds robust flavor and texture to the stew, choose a spicy Andouille for extra kick.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood bringing sweetness and oceanic essence, select fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for best quality.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid base that intensifies overall depth and richness of the stew, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Red Bell Pepper: Provides vibrant color and subtle sweetness, pick firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Celery: Adds crisp texture and earthy undertones, select stalks that are bright green and firm.
• Onion: Creates foundational flavor profile, choose yellow onions for classic savory notes.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend delivering bold, zesty character, look for authentic Creole-style mixes.

• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes tangy brightness and creates silky sauce consistency, use fire-roasted for deeper flavor.
• Ghee: Provides rich, nutty cooking fat with high smoke point, select grass-fed version for superior taste.
• Bay Leaves: Introduces subtle herbal complexity, use dried leaves for concentrated aromatic impact.
• Sea Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning, select fine-grain for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, sharp notes, freshly ground provides most intense flavor.
• Parsley or Chives: Fresh herb garnish bringing color and light herbal freshness, chop just before serving.

Tools for Crafting a Cozy Shrimp and Sausage Stew

• Instant Pot: Essential for cooking this entire stew quickly and efficiently.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing browned sausage without excess oil.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add Cajun seasoning and salt.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing vegetables and slicing sausage.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients during cooking process.

Simmer Your Way to Shrimp and Sausage Stew Flavor

• Sausage Foundation

Heat a splash of ghee in the Instant Pot, transforming the space into a sizzling culinary canvas. Nestle sausage slices into the golden landscape, letting them dance and caramelize for a few moments on each side.

• Vegetable Symphony

Sprinkle diced red bell pepper, celery, and onion into the pot, along with a whisper of Cajun magic. Let the ingredients mingle and release their aromatic secrets, creating a fragrant base.

• Liquid Harmony

Gently reunite the browned sausage with diced tomatoes, rich chicken stock, and delicate bay leaves. Stir this robust mixture, allowing flavors to intertwine and build depth.

• Pressure and Transformation

Seal the Instant Pot’s lid, coaxing ingredients into a tender embrace. Let pressure work its culinary alchemy for a brief moment.

• Shrimp Finale

Welcome plump shrimp into the warm stew, letting them turn from translucent to pearly white. Season with a gentle shower of salt and pepper.

• Celebration on a Plate

Ladle the vibrant stew into waiting bowls, scattering fresh herbs as a verdant crown. Serve alongside fluffy rice or low-carb cauliflower rice, creating a meal that tells a story of comfort and flavor.

Ideas to Tweak Shrimp and Sausage Stew

• Flavor Boost Tip: Enhance the stew's depth by using andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage for an extra kick of Cajun-style spiciness.
• Seafood Swap Strategy: Replace shrimp with crawfish or chunks of white fish for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance – add more for a fiery experience or reduce for a milder flavor profile that everyone can enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld and intensify overnight. Prepare in advance and reheat gently for a convenient, delicious meal that saves time and tastes incredible.
• Veggie Expansion Hack: Toss in additional vegetables like okra or green bell peppers to increase nutrition and add more texture to the classic Cajun-inspired stew.

Presenting Shrimp and Sausage Stew with Rustic Flair

• Cozy Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty stew over a bed of fluffy white rice or low-carb cauliflower rice to soak up all those delicious, rich flavors and juices.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and bright, herbal notes that complement the robust, spicy stew perfectly.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Accompany the stew with crusty French bread or warm cornbread to mop up the savory sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
• Spice Level Customization: Keep extra Cajun seasoning and hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat and kick of the stew according to their personal spice preference.

Keeping Shrimp and Sausage Stew Warm or Cold

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stew in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture loss, keeping the meal fresh and delicious for easy reheating.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Separate shrimp and sausage layers with parchment paper to maintain texture and prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent ingredients from becoming dry or tough.
• Meal Prep Genius: Chop vegetables and slice sausage in advance to cut cooking time. Prepare the entire stew and store in portioned containers for quick weeknight dinners or hearty lunch options that stay tasty and fresh.

Hearty Shrimp and Sausage Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick Cajun shrimp and sausage stew brings Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage to kitchen tables with bold, spicy flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a memorable meal that celebrates New Orleans’ spirited cooking tradition.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 g) shrimp, peeled if desired
• 12 oz (340 g) andouille sausage, sliced into ½-inch thick coins
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsps ghee (or olive oil)
• 2 tbsps Cajun or Creole seasoning
• ⅔ cup (158 ml) chicken stock
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley and/or chives, for serving

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Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Caramelize sausage slices in ghee within the Instant Pot until golden brown edges emerge, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Create Aromatic Base: Sauté red bell pepper, celery, and onion with Cajun seasoning, developing a rich, fragrant foundation for the stew.
3. Combine Ingredients: Deactivate sauté mode and integrate browned sausage, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, and bay leaves, ensuring thorough mixing.
4. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, positioning valve to sealing, and pressure cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize components.
5. Finish Cooking: Release pressure, then reactivate sauté mode to gently poach shrimp until they transition from translucent to opaque white.
6. Season and Garnish: Enhance the stew with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for vibrant color and herbal notes.
7. Serve: Ladle the robust stew into deep bowls, accompanying with fluffy rice or cauliflower rice to complement the intense flavor profile.

Notes

• Sausage Browning Technique: Caramelize sausage slices until edges turn crispy golden for deep, rich flavor development.
• Seasoning Strategy: Bloom Cajun spices with vegetables to intensify aromatic base and maximize taste complexity.
• Pressure Cooking Precision: Cook exactly 5 minutes to ensure ingredient tenderness without overcooking delicate components.
• Shrimp Poaching Tip: Watch shrimp color transformation carefully – remove immediately when turning opaque white to prevent rubbery texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg