There's nothing quite like the rich, smoky flavors of Shrimp Dirty Rice to transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana. This Cajun classic is a one-pot wonder, packed with tender shrimp, savory sausage, and the perfect blend of spices that give it a deep, satisfying heat.

I first fell in love with dirty rice during a trip to New Orleans, where every bite seemed to tell a story of tradition and bold flavors. Bringing that magic home, I started making my own version with shrimp, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now, whenever we need a comforting yet exciting meal, this recipe always makes an appearance.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Dirty Rice

Get ready to add this to your weeknight dinner rotation—once you taste it, you won’t be able to resist!

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under 40 minutes. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy a delicious meal.

It’s packed with bold, authentic flavors. Traditional dirty rice gets its name from the deep color it takes on from seasoning and proteins. This version, with shrimp and smoky andouille sausage, delivers that same rich taste with a spicy kick.

Budget-friendly and filling. Rice, sausage, and a few pantry staples make this a cost-effective way to serve up a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping!

Super versatile. Not a fan of shrimp? No problem! You can swap it out for chicken, ground turkey, or even go vegetarian with mushrooms and beans.

This dish is comforting, bold, and full of personality—just like the best Louisiana cooking!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Shrimp Dirty Rice lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to its bold, Cajun-inspired flavors.

Shrimp – Fresh or frozen shrimp work beautifully here. I recommend medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. If using frozen, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Andouille sausage – This smoked sausage is key for adding that signature Cajun heat and depth of flavor. If you can’t find andouille, a good smoked sausage or even chorizo will do the trick.

Long-grain rice – A classic choice for dirty rice, long-grain white rice holds up well to the flavors and absorbs all the seasonings beautifully. Make sure to rinse the rice beforehand to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.

Holy Trinity (Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery) – This trio is the backbone of many Southern dishes, creating a base of rich flavor that infuses the rice as it cooks. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential!

Cajun seasoning – A good-quality Cajun spice blend brings the heat and smokiness that makes this dish shine. You can also mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

A large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan is all you need to bring this dish together, making it a hassle-free meal with minimal cleanup.

How To Make This Shrimp Dirty Rice

Making this Shrimp Dirty Rice is a breeze, and once you master it, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp. This step releases its smoky, spicy oils, which will help season the entire dish. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a little butter or oil and toss in the holy trinity—onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning, letting the spices bloom for an extra punch of flavor.

Next, add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring well so it soaks up all the flavors from the sausage and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover and let it cook undisturbed until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Meanwhile, season the shrimp with a little extra Cajun seasoning. Once the rice is nearly done, stir in the shrimp and cooked sausage. Cover again and let the shrimp steam for just a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, and get ready to dig in! From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful and filling.

Storage Options

This Shrimp Dirty Rice stores beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.

For the refrigerator, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even better the next day!

To freeze, let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Shrimp Dirty Rice recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Swap the protein – Not a fan of shrimp? Use chicken, ground turkey, or even crumbled tofu for a meat-free version.

Make it extra spicy – Love the heat? Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to kick things up a notch.

Use brown rice – If you prefer a heartier, whole-grain option, brown rice works well. Just remember it takes longer to cook, so adjust the broth and simmer time accordingly.

Go vegetarian – Skip the sausage and shrimp, and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans for a delicious plant-based version.

Lighten it up – Want to cut back on calories? Use turkey sausage instead of andouille and swap cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

However you make it, this dish is guaranteed to be packed with flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect variation!