This authentic Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe was adapted from an authentic Creole Jambalaya recipe that has spicy andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and rice. Flavored with Louisiana spices and cooked to perfection, it’s a delicious one-pot pressure cooker meal. Great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
[This post was first published in February 2017 and was one of the first Instant Pot Jambalaya recipes! It was completely updated in December 2019 with new photographs and modified instructions to help you avoid the ‘Burn’ message.]
Table of Contents
Introduction
Jambalaya is a one-pot rice dish that originated in Louisiana. There are two types of Jambalaya: Creole, which includes tomatoes, and Cajun, which is made without tomatoes.
Creole cuisine originated in the city of New Orleans and Cajun food is traditionally associated with the French Acadian people who settled the swamps of southwest Louisiana.
My Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe includes tomatoes and is derived from a cookbook I’ve had in my possession forever, but can’t recall when or where I got it!
It’s a tiny little cookbook a bit larger than a smartphone, written by chef Austin Leslie of the famed New Orleans restaurant Chez Helene, which closed in the 1990’s.
I adapted this recipe for the Instant Pot and prefer this pressure cooker jambalaya recipe over the stovetop version! Back when I first published this recipe, it was the only one. And it’s the real deal! This is the best Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe you’ll find!
This is a one-pot meal that’s a great recipe to make for a quick weeknight meal or when you’re entertaining. It’s perfect not just for Mardi Gras, but for any time of year.
Here are some other New Orleans, Cajun and Creole recipes you might like to try out!
– Instant Pot Gumbo
– Instant Pot Shrimp Etouffee
– Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
TIPS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Shrimp
It might seem unusual to add the raw shrimp at the end and allow it to cook in the residual heat of the jambalaya. But this is something I discovered through trial and error and find it works well and the shrimp doesn’t get overcooked or tough.
Rub Creole seasoning over the shrimp and set aside while the rice is pressure cooking, and stir in the uncooked shrimp at the end. Let it cook in residual heat with the lid on.
Try to work quickly and add the shrimp as soon as the pressure goes down. You don’t want too much heat to escape because the shrimp needs to cook in the residual heat.
When you put the lid on, you might have trouble getting it to close. Put the steam release handle/button/switch in the Vent position and it should close easily.
If you have extra-large or jumbo-sized shrimp, you’ll need to let the shrimp sit in the covered Instant Pot for an extra 3 to 5 minutes. If you have smaller shrimp you may be able to decrease the amount of time.
If you prefer, you can saute the shrimp at the beginning when you’re sauteing the sausage and chicken.
Different Types of Rice
This recipe calls for regular long grain rice or basmati rice. If you’d like to use jasmine rice, pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Brown rice requires a longer pressure cooking time (approximately 22 minutes), so your meats and vegetables would probably get overcooked if you pressure cook for that long. If you’d like to cook Instant Pot Jambalaya with brown rice:
- Remove the cooked meat and vegetables from the inner pot and set aside. Substitute brown rice for the long grain rice and pressure cook for 22 minutes. Add the meats and vegetables back in at the end, when you’re adding the shrimp.
Sausage
Andouille is a spicy smoked Cajun sausage. If you don’t have access to it, substitute it with Spanish chorizo or Polish kielbasa. I recommend that you use smoked sausage, not raw sausage.
Seasonings
You can substitute Creole seasoning with Cajun seasoning. You can also add more or less seasoning than I’ve suggested. The quantity of salt you need will depend on the quantity and type of Cajun or Creole seasoning you use. Go easy on the salt if you are using more seasoning and/or if the Creole or Cajun seasoning is very salty!
Stock / Broth
The recipe calls for chicken stock but you may want to try out my Instant Pot Shrimp Stock. It adds another dimension of flavor and it’s so easy to make. You already have the shrimp shells, so why not make some stock with it?
Shallots
Many people don’t like the taste of raw onions, and that’s the case with one of my children. So I often omit the shallots. The jambalaya tastes great either way.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, you might find it helpful to first read one of the following guides and then come back here to learn how to make this recipe.
- Instant Pot DUO Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO NOVA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO GOURMET Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
Instant Pot Jambalaya – Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Andouille sausage
- Chicken
- Rice
- Bell pepper
- Tomato
- Onion
- Celery
- Broth
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Oil
- Parsley
- Bay leaves
- Worcestershire sauce
- Creole or Cajun spice
- Salt
- Shallots (missing from photo)
How to Make Jambalaya in the Instant Pot (Step by Step Instructions)
- Season shrimp
- Turn on Saute Mode
- Saute sausage
- Saute chicken
- Saute vegetables
- Add meat, tomato and rice
- Pressure cook
- Quick-release pressure
- Stir in Shrimp
- Garnish with parsley
Season Shrimp
- Thaw and thoroughly dry the shrimp with a paper towel.
- Rub creole seasoning all over the shrimp and set aside.
How to Turn on Saute Mode
- Instant Pot DUO: Select the Saute function.
- Instant Pot ULTRA: Select the Saute function and press Start.
Saute Sausage
- Once the inner pot has preheated, add oil to the inner pot and let it heat up.
- Add andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
- If the sausage browns too quickly, press ‘Cancel’ until the Instant Pot cools down a bit and press the ‘Saute’ button again. Deglaze as needed with a tablespoon of broth.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
Saute Chicken
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Deglaze as needed.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Press ‘Cancel’ to turn off the heat if the Instant Pot is too hot, and turn it back on when it’s cooled down a bit.
- Add onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to inner pot.
Saute Vegetables
- Saute vegetables until the onion is translucent. The liquid released from the vegetables should be enough to deglaze the pan. If it’s not, add a few tablespoons of broth to deglaze.
- Add thyme, Creole seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce and stir to coat, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in broth and bay leaves.
Add Meat, Tomato, and Rice
- Stir in the reserved sausage and chicken.
- Add the tomatoes and gently spread out with a spatula. Don’t stir in.
- Add the rice and gently push down with a spatula till covered with broth. Don’t stir in.
Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cook 7 minutes
- Close the lid and make sure steam release handle is in ‘Sealing’ position
- Press ‘Manual’ (or ‘Pressure Cook’) and ‘+’ or ‘-‘ until the display reads ‘7′ (7 minutes).
Instant Pot Ultra Pressure Cook 7 minutes
- Close the lid.
- Select Pressure Cook mode and adjust the time to 7 minutes (00:07).
- Press ‘Start’.
Pressure Cooking Process (Duo and Ultra)
- Instant Pot display will change to ‘On’.
- Once the Instant Pot is pressurized, the float valve will go up.
- The display will count down to 0; it will then switch to ‘Keep Warm’ mode and display ‘L0:00’ or ’00 00′ and begin to count up the number of minutes since pressure cooking completed.
How to Quick Release Pressure (QR) on the DUO
- Move the steam release handle to Venting. Steam will come out of the steam release handle.
- When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
- Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot.
How to Quick Release Pressure (QR) on the ULTRA
- Press down on the Steam Release Button until it locks into place, and steam begins to come out of the Steam Release Valve.
- When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
- Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot.
[Find out more about the pressure release methods and how and when to use them. ]
Stir in Shrimp
- Open the lid and add in shrimp.
- Using a spatula, stir up the rice and nestle the shrimp in the rice.
- Try to work quickly so too much steam doesn’t escape.
Garnish with Parsley
- Close the Instant Pot and allow the shrimp to finish cooking in the residual heat. If you have trouble closing the lid, move the steam release to ‘Vent’ position.
- After 10 minutes, open the Instant Pot and add parsley. Gently stir the jambalaya.
- Let the jambalaya rest (lid open) for 5 to 8 minutes before serving
- Serve with hot sauce on the side.
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning or to taste
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 12 oz. Andouille sausage cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 12 oz. boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste *
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth or homemade Instant Pot Shrimp Stock
- 2 small bay leaves or 1 large
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 Tbsp parsley chopped, to garnish
- 1/2 cup shallots thinly sliced – optional
- hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Dry shrimp with a paper towel, rub with 1 tsp of Creole seasoning and set aside.
- Press 'Saute' and add oil to inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Once the oil is hot, add andouille sausage, and saute until browned, about 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a medium bowl and set aside. If the sausage browns too quickly, press ‘Cancel’ until the Instant Pot cools down a bit and press the ‘Saute’ button again. Deglaze as needed with a tablespoon of broth.
- Add chicken to the inner pot, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the bowl containing the sausage, and set aside. If the chicken browns too quickly, press ‘Cancel’ until the Instant Pot cools down a bit and press the ‘Saute’ button again. Deglaze as needed with a tablespoon of broth.
- Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir until onion is translucent. The liquid released from the vegetables should be enough to deglaze the pan. If it's not, add a tablespoon or more of broth to deglaze.
- Add thyme, remaining Creole seasoning, salt, worcestershire sauce and stir to coat, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth and bay leaves. Make sure there's nothing stuck to the bottom of the inner pot – deglaze as needed.
- Stir in the reserved sausage and chicken.
- Add the tomatoes (with the liquid) and spread out with a spatula, but don't stir.
- Add the rice and gently push down with a spatula till immersed in the liquid, but don't stir in.
- Close the lid and pressure cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes.
- Do a quick release of pressure (QR) and open the lid. [Read More: The Different Pressure Release Methods].
- Carefully stir in shrimp. Take care to not allow too much steam to escape because the shrimp will cook in the residual heat.
- Close the Instant Pot and allow the shrimp to finish cooking in the residual heat for about 10 minutes. Jumbo shrimp may require an additional 5 minutes. If you have trouble closing the lid, move the steam release to 'Vent', close the lid, and move it back to 'Seal'.
- Open the Instant Pot and add parsley. Gently stir the jambalaya. Allow the Instant Pot jambalaya to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with shallots, if using.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Prep time does not include steps that are already accounted for in the ingredient list, e.g. cut up chicken, chopped onion, etc.
- * Quantity of salt will depend on your Cajun seasoning. If it’s more salty, go easy on the extra salt.
- If you prefer, you can very briefly saute the shrimp at the beginning and remove. I find that adding the raw shrimp at the end allows the juices to get absorbed by the rice, without the shrimp drying out.
- This recipe has been modified from the original publication version: tomatoes and rice are layered on top without stirring in to avoid the Burn Message.
- See the blog post for more detailed recipe tips. You don’t want to miss any!
Vanessa
I followed the directions exactly and this turned out perfect! Perfect amount of spice and the consistency and flavor is terrific! Definitely making this again and again!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thanks Vanessa!
Melissa
This was my first meal made in my new instant pot Viva, after I made plain jasmin rice for my son. This was really good. Added okra, kidney beans and used Zataran’s jambalaya boxed meal and also added Creole seasoning! Will be making again!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Glad you liked it Melissa. Good to know that you were able to use the Zatarain’s jambalaya mix with this recipe 🙂
Cheryl
I have never made Jambalaya before but this was so eww easy and so good!! Hubby ate two plates then asked for some in his lunch tomorrow for work!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Awesome! I’m so glad you found this favorite of mine.
Eric M
This recipe was fire. Exceeded my expectations!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thanks Eric – I’m so glad you liked it!
Lynne Snyder
If short on time can we add rotisserie chicken at e d
End like the shrimp
Paint the Kitchen Red
Lynne, yes you can do that! Hope you enjoy the recipe.
Pauline
Made this twice already and both times, rice was mushy… I cooked it at 5minutes since I’m Hsiang jasmine rice. Should I reduce the water or the time to avoid this next time ? Flavor is delicious though !! I rinsed my rice before added it in.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Pauline, although I love Jasmine rice, I tend to use long grain or basmati for this recipe and have actually never tried it with Jasmine. My instinct would be to reduce the cook time to 3 or 4 minutes, you probably have to play with it. I think the quantity of liquid is okay.
Tarron
This was just excellent!!!! I didn’t change a thing nor would I. Just perfect as written. I used parboiled rice and it couldn’t have turned out better. 10 stars!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thank you, Tarron – that’s so kind of you!
Lorene Grinberg
What size shrimp (actual count, such as 26/30 or 31/40, etc) do you recommend? Thanks!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Lorene, I usually use the medium size shrimp, approximately 36/40.
Wendy Banister
Thank you Neena for the wonderful detailed instant pot jambalaya recipe. My husband had 2 bowls. I have to admit I was intimidated until I watched your set up of the duo nova. I look forward to watching more of your video tutorials.
Wendy
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thank you Wendy! I’m so happy that y’all liked the recipe – it’s a family favorite 🙂
Kc
The taste was great – I reduced the chicken stock to one cup since I was not adding the rice to the mix but served it separately. My only problem is and that’s with more than just this recipe is the prep time – 15 minutes?? It took approximately 40 minutes to clean and devein the shrimp, dice. But once that was done it was rated a 9 with my family. Will do it again
Paint the Kitchen Red
Kc – I’m glad you liked the recipe. I always make a note in the Notes section of the recipe that the prep time doesn’t include steps that are already specified in the ingredients eg. some people buy deveined shrimp, or minced garlic. But I understand your frustration and I’m sorry about that!
Lisa
Hi, just made your recipe (and I secretly do not like instant pots). It was a huge hit! I held the shrimp out and sautéed separately because it was being served the next day and I wanted ‘just cooked’ shrimp in the final dish. Thanks for an easy to follow recipe using the instant pot.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Lisa, that’s so great to hear – thank you for giving the recipe a chance 🙂
Hoyt
Hi, can this be doubled in a 6qt? Modifications?Thanks
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Hoyt, as long as the contents don’t go above the 1/2 mark, you can double the recipe. Just double the quantities and leave the pressure cook time the same.
Ann- Marie
This is our 2nd time making this! My 16 year old son loves everything about it. The 13 year old girl who is a picky eater loves it(picks out the shrimp lol). Thanks for the great recipe! Someday I hope top take the kids to New Orleans!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Ann-Marie, that’s great to hear – thank you for letting me know!
Vickie
Delicious! Thank you for the detailed instructions for an Instant Pot newbie.
Paint the Kitchen Red
You’re very welcome, Vickie!
Lainie
This was SO good. I usually make jambalaya in a crock pot, but needed the speed of the instant pot. I doubled this recipe and it came out PERFECT. As a native Louisianian, I believe a good jambalaya recipe is gold 🙂 Thanks for publishing!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Aww, thank you Lainie. I always love hearing from Louisianans especially for my Cajun and Creole recipes!