Hearty Savory Shrimp and Sausage Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Shrimp and sausage stew creates magic in kitchens with its rich, hearty charm and soul-warming appeal.

Robust flavors mingle deliciously, telling stories of culinary traditions passed through generations.

Unexpected spice combinations dance across your palate, promising an exciting meal that breaks conventional boundaries.

Coastal influences blend seamlessly with rustic cooking techniques, crafting something truly extraordinary.

No ordinary dish emerges from this recipe – instead, an experience awaits you.

Maritime ingredients connect with deep, earthy undertones, promising complexity in every single bite.

Southern cooking wisdom meets bold seasoning in this remarkable one-pot wonder.

You can want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Why Savory Shrimp and Sausage Stew Is Your Next Comfort Bowl

• This stew delivers intense Cajun-style taste through quick sautéing and pressure cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
• Combining succulent shrimp and hearty sausage creates a protein-rich dish that satisfies hunger while offering complex, layered textures in a single convenient Instant Pot preparation.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, and choosing between traditional rice or low-carb cauliflower rice, making it perfect for diverse dietary preferences and family meal adaptations.
• Packed with fresh vegetables and lean proteins, this stew provides a nutritious alternative to heavy traditional comfort meals without sacrificing rich, bold flavors characteristic of Louisiana-inspired cooking.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp and Sausage Stew Perfection

• Sausage: Adds rich, spicy flavor and hearty texture to the stew.
• Shrimp: Provides delicate seafood protein with sweet ocean taste.

• Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion: Creates aromatic base with complex vegetable flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy moisture and natural sweetness to the stew.

• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers bold, zesty New Orleans-style spice profile.
• Bay Leaves: Introduces subtle herbal undertone and depth.
• Chicken Stock: Provides savory liquid foundation for stew.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste and balances flavors.
• Ghee: Offers rich, nutty cooking fat with high heat tolerance.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: Bright garnish with fresh herbal notes.

Simple Steps for Hearty Shrimp and Sausage Stew

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage Slices

Heat ghee in the Instant Pot using Sauté mode. Once the pot is hot, add sausage slices and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

• Red bell pepper
• Celery
• Onion
• Cajun seasoning

Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables release their enticing fragrance.

Step 3: Merge Delicious Components

• Browned sausage
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken stock
• Bay leaves

Stir thoroughly to blend all components. Close the lid, set valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Welcome Succulent Seafood

Carefully release pressure by turning the valve to Venting. Return Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn completely opaque.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Season the stew with sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. Serve piping hot alongside rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Tips to Build Flavor in Shrimp and Sausage Stew

• Sizzle Sausage Perfectly: Brown sausage slices thoroughly in ghee to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds deep flavor complexity to the stew.
• Layer Seasoning Strategically: Toast Cajun spices with vegetables to unlock their full aromatic potential and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Manage Shrimp Cooking Carefully: Add shrimp at the end and cook just until opaque to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, delicate seafood quality.
• Release Pressure Smartly: Manually release pressure quickly to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking delicate ingredients like shrimp and vegetables.
• Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving to add a bright, vibrant finish and enhance the stew's overall flavor.

Storing Leftover Shrimp Stew the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled stew into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain food safety and preserve tender shrimp and sausage texture.

What Dishes Complement This Shrimp and Sausage Stew

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Complement the bold Cajun flavors with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, acidic wines cut through the richness of the sausage and shrimp, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious stew broth. The bread's hearty texture and mild flavor perfectly enhance the stew's spicy and savory notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The salad's bright, crisp elements will contrast beautifully with the warm, robust stew, providing a palate-cleansing effect.
• Opt for Citrus-Infused Beverage: Brew a cold iced tea with a splash of fresh lemon or orange juice. The citrusy drink will help cool down the Cajun spice while adding a refreshing twist to the meal.

New Twists on the Classic Shrimp and Sausage Combo

• Seafood Gumbo Spin: Replace chicken stock with seafood stock, add crab meat, and increase Cajun seasoning for a more intense Louisiana-style flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Stew: Swap Cajun seasoning with oregano, include kalamata olives, and use white wine instead of chicken stock for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Chorizo Seafood Pot: Substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo, add smoked paprika, and include diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Coconut Curry Seafood Blend: Incorporate coconut milk, yellow curry powder, and swap bay leaves for kaffir lime leaves to create an Asian-inspired seafood stew with rich, aromatic undertones.

FAQ Guide for Savory Shrimp and Sausage Stew Lovers

• Can I use different types of sausage in this stew?

You can definitely swap out the sausage. Andouille works great, but any smoked or spicy sausage will add delicious flavor to the dish.

• How long can I store the leftovers?

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually get better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives a mild to moderate heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of seasoning or use a mild version to control the heat level.

• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can prepare this stew in a large pot on the stovetop. Just adjust cooking times – simmer the ingredients for about 20-25 minutes instead of pressure cooking.

Savory Shrimp And Sausage Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Louisiana-style Shrimp and Sausage Stew brings robust Creole flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and rich ingredients. Simmering with andouille sausage, plump shrimp, and aromatic vegetables, this comforting dish delivers authentic Southern comfort you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled if desired
• 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into ½-inch thick coins

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons ghee (or olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
• ⅔ cup chicken stock
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley and/or chives, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat ghee in an Instant Pot on sauté mode, then caramelize sausage slices until golden brown and crispy edges develop, transferring cooked pieces to a separate plate.
2. Introduce diced red bell pepper, celery, and onion into the pot, sprinkling Cajun seasoning to awaken aromatic flavors and create a fragrant base.
3. Deactivate sauté function and incorporate browned sausage, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, and bay leaves, stirring thoroughly to integrate all components.
4. Secure lid with valve positioned to sealing, then pressure cook for precisely 5 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize ingredients.
5. Carefully release pressure through venting mechanism, then reactivate sauté mode to gently poach shrimp until they transform from translucent to opaque white.
6. Elevate the stew’s profile by seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a balanced flavor profile.
7. Plate the vibrant stew in deep bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and herbal brightness.
8. Complement the robust dish with fluffy rice or low-carb cauliflower rice, allowing the stew’s rich flavors to shine.

Notes

• Instant Pot transforms tough ingredients into a tender, flavor-packed stew in under 20 minutes.
• Browning sausage first creates a deep, rich base that infuses the entire dish with smoky complexity.
• Cajun seasoning delivers a spicy kick, bringing authentic Louisiana-style heat to every bite.
• Quick-cooking shrimp added at the end ensures perfectly tender seafood without becoming rubbery.
• This one-pot meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
• Flexible serving options like rice or cauliflower rice make this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg