Description
This flavorful one pot sausage, shrimp, and rice dish combines tender turkey kielbasa, juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices all cooked together for a hearty, satisfying meal. With minimal cleanup and packed with protein and vibrant flavors, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings a comforting yet exciting twist to classic rice dishes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 13 oz turkey kielbasa, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- Olive oil spray
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 scallions, chopped
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb raw, deveined shrimp
Instructions
- Prepare the Kielbasa: Slice the turkey kielbasa into 1/4 inch rounds to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor release during sautéing.
- Heat the Pot: Spray the bottom of a Dutch oven or large pot with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the Kielbasa: Add the kielbasa slices to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the outsides to brown and the sausage to render its flavorful fats.
- Add the Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers and onion, then add them to the pot with the kielbasa after it has cooked for 10 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the peppers and onions for 10 minutes or until they become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Deglaze the Pot: Use the moisture released from the vegetables to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to enhance flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt to evenly coat the mixture with aromatic seasonings.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pot, stirring well to combine with the spiced sausage and vegetable mix.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked white rice and stir to mix it with the other ingredients, then add the reduced sodium chicken broth and stir again to combine everything.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Add the Shrimp: Nestle the raw, deveined shrimp into the pot, stir gently to combine, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and firm.
- Finish with Scallions: Chop the scallions and toss them into the pot, stirring everything together to finish the dish with fresh flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt or cayenne pepper as desired to suit your heat preference and seasoning balance.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- If you prefer spicier food, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce at the end.
- Feel free to substitute turkey kielbasa with regular kielbasa or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- For gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth is gluten free.
- Make sure shrimp is deveined and peeled for the best texture and eating experience.
- You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
