The Ultimate Jambalaya Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

When craving a zesty jambalaya pasta recipe that combines Southern charm with Italian flair, this dish promises pure culinary magic.

Succulent shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, and tender chicken dance together in a vibrant sauce.

Bold Creole seasonings infuse every single bite with robust flavor and excitement.

The pasta absorbs the rich, smoky undertones that make this meal unforgettable.

Layers of complex spices create a symphonic blend that will transport you straight to New Orleans.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of heat, protein, and comfort.

Prepare to savor a meal that will become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Jambalaya Pasta Recipe: Spicy Pasta Adventure

• Dive into a flavor-packed one-pot wonder that transforms ordinary pasta into a Cajun-style feast bursting with zesty sausage, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp.
• Skip the multiple pots and pans with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single skillet, making dinner prep and washing dishes a breeze.
• Blend the best of Cajun and Italian cuisines into a crowd-pleasing dish that offers something for everyone, from protein lovers to pasta enthusiasts.
• Whip up a hearty meal in less than an hour, with easy options to adjust spice levels or swap proteins to match your family's taste preferences.

Jambalaya Pasta Ingredient Checklist

• Andouille Sausage: A spicy, smoky sausage that adds deep flavor to the Jambalaya Pasta.
• Chicken Breast: Tender meat that absorbs the Cajun spices and provides protein to the dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a classic Cajun coastal element to the pasta.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers: A traditional Cajun holy trinity that creates a flavorful base for the dish.

• Pasta: The hearty foundation of the recipe that soaks up the rich, spicy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the pasta and enhances the overall flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the dish.

• Cajun Spices: A blend that provides the signature spicy and complex flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean taste to the final dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the meats and vegetables, providing a base for cooking.

Tools For Spicy Pasta Nights

• Large Deep-Sided Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking all ingredients and creating one-pot meal.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for holding cooked sausage and chicken during recipe stages.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing sausage, chicken, and dicing vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding Cajun spices.
• Lid: Necessary for covering skillet during pasta cooking process.

Steps To Cajun Pasta Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat a large deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat.

Pour a splash of oil into the pan.

When the oil starts to shimmer, toss in the sausage.

Spread it across the cooking surface and let it develop a golden-brown crust.

Stir and cook until nicely caramelized.

Move the sausage to a nearby bowl.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Add another drizzle of oil to the same skillet.

Drop in the chicken pieces and dust with Cajun spices.

Toss to coat evenly.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden and develops a delicious outer crust.

Make sure each piece gets an even cooking treatment.

Step 3: Saute Colorful Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and soft.

The vegetables will release incredible flavors into the pan.

Transfer the cooked chicken to the bowl with the sausage.

Step 4: Build The Pasta Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Remaining Cajun spices

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Gently add the pasta and stir.

Reduce heat, cover, and let the pasta simmer until it starts to become tender.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Finale

Uncover the skillet and give the pasta a gentle stir.

Introduce the cream and shrimp to the mix.

Cover and continue cooking until the shrimp turns a beautiful pinkish-orange and the pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.

Step 6: Combine And Plate

Return the sausage, chicken, and vegetables to the skillet.

Give everything a gentle fold to mix.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Let the dish rest for a moment to allow flavors to meld together before serving.

Pro Tips For Jambalaya Pasta Flavor

• Use homemade or high-quality Cajun seasoning for an authentic flavor burst that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or additional chicken for flexible protein options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Choose thick, sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni that holds sauce well and maintains texture during cooking.
• Select fresh, raw shrimp and avoid pre-cooked varieties to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, succulent texture.
• Watch pasta closely during simmering to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally and adding extra broth if mixture becomes too dry.

Pasta Twists: Adding Extra Cajun Kick

• Vegetarian Jambalaya Pasta: Replace sausage and chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all spice blends are certified gluten-free to maintain recipe integrity.
• Seafood Lovers' Edition: Skip chicken and increase shrimp quantity. Add additional seafood like crab meat or scallops for a rich maritime flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce cream quantity and focus on protein and vegetable content for a lighter meal.

Plating Up Jambalaya Pasta Feasts

• Family Feast Night: Gather loved ones around the table for a hearty dinner celebration with this spicy Jambalaya Pasta. Perfect for weekend gatherings and sharing delicious moments together.
• Cajun Party Platter: Create a festive spread by serving the pasta alongside crispy cornbread, tangy coleslaw, and cold refreshing drinks to complement the bold flavors of the dish.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pasta into next-day lunch bowls by adding extra protein like grilled chicken or mixing with fresh salad greens for a quick and tasty meal transformation.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Plate the pasta in wide, shallow bowls garnished with extra chopped parsley, a wedge of lemon on the side, and a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning for restaurant-quality visual appeal.

Storing Pasta For Next-Day Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled jambalaya pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water. Stir gently to redistribute ingredients and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this Jambalaya Pasta?

Cajun spices are the primary seasoning, used a total of 4 teaspoons throughout the recipe. These spices provide the signature bold, zesty flavor typical of Louisiana-style cooking.

• Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace shrimp with other seafood like crawfish or even use additional chicken if you prefer. The recipe is flexible and can accommodate different protein preferences.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

The Cajun spices give the dish a mild to moderate heat level. If you want more spice, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the spice quantity.

Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty jambalaya pasta blends Creole flavors with classic Italian technique. Succulent shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, and bold seasonings create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8–14 ounces andouille or smoked sausage, sliced 1/2-inch thick on the diagonal
• 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (31–40 count)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, about 1 cup‘s worth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces, about 1 cup‘s worth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes

Liquid, Pasta, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons light olive oil, divided
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces dry linguine or spaghetti pasta, broken in half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning mix, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped small
• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil. Sear sausage until lightly browned, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer sausage to a separate bowl.
2. In the same skillet, add additional oil and cook chicken seasoned with Cajun spices. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
3. Incorporate onions, garlic, and bell peppers into the chicken. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and vegetables to the sausage bowl.
4. Pour tomatoes, chicken broth, and remaining Cajun spices into the skillet. Bring liquid to a rapid boil over high heat. Add pasta, reduce temperature to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Uncover and gently separate pasta. Stir in cream and shrimp. Simmer for another 4-5 minutes until shrimp turns pinkish-orange and pasta reaches al dente consistency.
6. Return sausage, chicken, and vegetable mixture to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish generously with fresh parsley. Allow dish to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Sausage Selection Choose spicy Andouille or mild smoked sausage based on your heat preference, enhancing the authentic Cajun flavor profile.
• Seafood Swap Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for dietary restrictions, maintaining the dish’s protein-packed essence.
• Pasta Perfection Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different nutritional needs without compromising taste.
• Spice Control Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to create a mild or fiery experience, catering to individual spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Creole/Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg