Southern Comfort in a Skillet: Oven-Baked Sausage & Shrimp Jambalay

There’s a kind of magic that happens when hearty ingredients meet bold seasoning in one sizzling pot. This Oven-Baked Southern-Style Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya is the culinary embodiment of comfort, celebration, and the spirit of the Gulf Coast — all wrapped in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. This recipe is  featured  in my cookbook, Sheila’s Kitchen Chronicles: A Southern Baking Journey.

Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining guests, or craving something cozy for a weeknight dinner, this recipe deserves a place at the table. It’s smoky, savory, layered with vibrant vegetables and plump shrimp, and spiced just enough to keep your taste buds curious without overpowering the palate. And the best part? The oven does most of the work.

Let’s dive into the flavors that make this dish unforgettable.

The Building Blocks of Flavor

Jambalaya is the kind of recipe that speaks the language of tradition and adaptability. While classic Louisiana jambalaya is typically cooked stovetop, baking it in the oven ensures an evenly cooked dish and allows the rice to absorb all that incredible flavor without sticking or burning — making it ideal for busy home cooks and anyone who’d rather spend their evening enjoying dinner than fussing over a pot.

Here’s how each ingredient contributes to the harmony of the dish:

• Olive oil, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic are the flavor base — also known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking (onion, celery, and bell pepper). These aromatics create a deeply savory foundation.
• Smoked sausage brings richness and a slightly smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the seafood.
• Long-grain white rice is the vehicle that soaks up all those spices and juices.
• Diced tomatoes and chicken broth add body and balance.
• Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper layer the dish with warmth, herbaceous notes, and just the right kick.
• Shrimp, added toward the end, keeps its texture intact while absorbing the seasoned steam.
• Fresh parsley adds color and brightness just before serving.

Step-by-Step Simplicity

There’s a rhythm to making jambalaya — a dance of sizzle, simmer, and bake — and once you’ve got the steps down, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake while you prep your vegetables.
2. Sauté the Base: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and toss in diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Brown the Sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until the edges begin to caramelize — about 5 minutes.
4. Build the Jambalaya: Stir in the rice, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. After 25 minutes, remove and stir in the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Final Bake: Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and dish out generous servings.

Nourishing & Flavorful

With approximately 380 calories per serving, this dish proves that Southern cooking can be both soulful and balanced. Packed with 30 grams of protein, it’s a powerhouse meal that satisfies without weighing you down — ideal for anyone who appreciates mindful eating without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these twists:

• Garden Boost: Add diced zucchini, okra, or mushrooms for even more texture and nutrition.
• Spice Play: Adjust the cayenne if you prefer a milder or hotter jambalaya — and consider a dash of smoked paprika for added depth.
• Seafood Swap: Not a fan of shrimp? Substitute with crab meat, scallops, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
• Whole-Grain Version: Sub long-grain white rice with brown rice — just increase the broth and bake time to accommodate.

Pair this dish with a crisp garden salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of sautéed greens, and you’ve got yourself a complete, vibrant meal that satisfies body and soul.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Kitchen

This jambalaya is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and comfort. It respects tradition while offering flexibility, invites creativity without sacrificing simplicity, and delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving this at a summer gathering or curling up on a quiet evening, each spoonful is a reminder of how food brings people together.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces of smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1-pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet or Dutch oven from the oven and stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Return the skillet or Dutch oven to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
9. Garnish the baked Southern-style sausage and shrimp jambalaya with chopped parsley before serving.

NUTRITION:

Calories: 380 | Fat: 3g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 30g