Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become my favorite weeknight meal. What are staples in my house? What is my Jambalaya Pasta recipe? If you like creamy, comforting pasta dishes with a little kick like scampi, you should try this recipe. What is going to rock your world? Imagine all the amazing flavors of classic jambalaya – the savory sausage, juicy shrimp, tender and tender. What is the perfect blend of Cajun spices and chicken in a creamy pasta sauce? Is it addictive? Is this a good idea to add to your regular rotation?

What is Jambalaya Pasta?

Think of it as the delicious love child of two culinary giants: a man and woman. What is your favorite Louisiana jambalaya dish? What are the key ingredients in jambalaya? Peppers, celery, plus some kind of protein (usually sausage, chicken, and shrimp), and those kinds of vegetables. Cajun spices – simmered together in a rich, creamy sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked onions. It’s bold, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. What’s the best part about jambalaya? I have picky eaters and they are obsessed!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh man, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this Jambalaya Pasta Recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of smoky andouille sausage, juicy shrimp, and tender chicken, all seasoned with that perfect blend of Cajun spices, creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit savory, and a whole lot delicious. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, this is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour, and that’s a major win in my book. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking. Don’t have shrimp on hand? No problem, just use more chicken or sausage. Want to kick up the spice even more? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless! It’s also a relatively budget-friendly meal. The ingredients are all readily available at most grocery stores, and you can often find them on sale. I also love that it’s a one-pot meal (almost!). Less dishes equals less stress, right? It’s similar in easiness to a good baked ziti or creamy pesto pasta but packs way more punch!

How do I make Jambalaya Pasta?

Quick Overview

How do I make Jambalaya Pasta? How do you start sautéing veggies and sausage? Add the chicken and seasonings. Mix well. How do I make a sauce? How do you cook pasta separately, add it to the sauce along with your shrimp and watch it all come together? What is the best way to let the sauce simmer and thicken, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Is it worth the wait?

Ingredients

For the Jambalaya Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
* 1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (I like Tony Chachere’s)
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. How much water should I reserve for pasta before draining? I always do this – the starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and makes it extra creamy!

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. What should I do if I overcrowd the pan?

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell alone is amazing!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. What is pepper (if using)? Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Don’t skip this step – it allows the flavors to really meld together.

Step 5: Add Cream, Sausage, and Chicken

Stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, and cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Step 6: Add Shrimp and Pasta

Add the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. I like my sauce nice and creamy!

Step 7: Season and Serve

What are some good ways to serve fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper. Dig in and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good recipe for Jambalaya Pasta? What are some ideas to spread the word?For a simple side:What are some good ways to balance the richness of green salad with a light vinaigrettes dressing?For a Bread Lover: What is the bestWhat are some good crusty breads for soaking up the sauce? My family always fights over the last piece!For a BBQ Feel:What are some good ways to make cornbread at home?What is a Southern feast?If you wanted to lean into the theme of Collard greens, you could use a different color. I always serve this with a glass of sweet tea. It’s the perfect combination! I like eat it straight from the bowl. No shame here!

How do I make Jambalaya Pasta?

What are some of the best Jambalaya Pasta recipes?Don’t overcook the shrimp! Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, or it will become rubbery. Add it at the very end and cook until it’s just pink and opaque.

Spice it Up:If you like your food spicy, don’t be afraid to add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of red pepper. Can you use andouille sausage?Use Good Quality Sausage: Use good quality sausage.What is the best andouille sausage recipe? I prefer a spicy andouille.Don’t skip the fresh herbs. I’m a herbWhat are some good ways to use fresh parsley in a dish?Make it Ahead:What are some of the best ways to make pasta the next day? Can you make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

Room Temperature:I don’t recommend leaving this dish at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possibleRefrigerator Storage: WhatHow do I store leftover Jambalaya Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Make sure the container is properly sealed to prevent the pasta from drying out.Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

I prefer to add a little extra cream when reheating to keep it extra creamy and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional, you can substitute it with other types of sausage like chorizo or even Italian sausage. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the sausage, chicken, and shrimp. Add some extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to make it more substantial. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! Penne and rotini are great options, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Bowtie pasta, shells, or even linguine would work well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this dish. Onions, bell peppers, and celery are the traditional “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, but you can also add mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or even spinach.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

To prevent the pasta from sticking together, make sure to cook it al dente and rinse it with cold water after draining. You can also toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! My go-to Jambalaya Pasta Recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a little bit of Louisiana flavor to your table. It’s easy, flavorful, and totally customizable. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other pasta dishes. They’re all designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!