One Pot Jambalaya Pasta Dinner In 30 Minutes Or Less

This Jambalaya Pasta has all the spices and Louisiana flavors of the classic southern dish in one pot! I came up with this easy Cajun Jambalaya pasta when I was craving something spicy and satisfying, but I wanted to make it simplified somehow. Sort of like the Jambalaya Pasta at Cheesecake Factory (one of my favs). It was a HUGE success! From start to finish, it took just minutes and everything from the noodles to the Cajun spice blend was perfection. If you’re looking for a simple, spicy supper, this is IT!

Ingredients in Jambalaya Pasta

Okay, the list for ingredients in this pasta dish may seem daunting, but it’s all easy to find, pantry staple type stuff that you probably already have on hand! Trust me, a sprinkle of this and a dab of that and you’ll have a show stopping dish! Here’s what you need:

Oil (for sautéing)- use extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, anything you like Skinless chicken breasts – about one and a half pounds should do it. Cut your chicken into thin strips or dice into 1-inch pieces. Red bell pepper – You can also dice up a green bell pepper, yellow, orange, whatever you have on hand. White onions – yellow or red onions work also. Smoked andouille sausage – sliced or diced. Chicken broth – about 4 and a half cups. You can also use a spicy chicken-seafood broth for extra kick. Find it next to the soups in the grocery store. Tomato sauce – about a cup and a half of your favorite sauce. Roma tomatoes – we like using a can of RO*TEL, which is just diced tomatoes with green chiles already mixed together. So good! Cajun seasoning – Tony Chachere’s is the best! Find it at any grocery store in the spice aisle. Add more for a little more Cajun spice. Garlic powder – one tablespoon, or a couple of cloves garlic, minced. Paprika – one tablespoon gives the dish a beautiful red color and a mild spice that’s so delicious. Onion powder – one tablespoon Kosher salt and black pepper – to taste Pasta noodles – one pound of any pasta you like. We love using linguini pasta or spaghetti, even penne or ziti. Shrimp – one pound uncooked, peeled, deveined. This is optional, but I love shrimp in this recipe! Cilantro – for garnish. You can also use parsley, oregano, thyme or a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

What is Jambalaya?

In its simplest definition, Jambalaya is a mixture of rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp or oysters, along with a variety of herbs and spices. More specific definitions advise using a trinity of celery, peppers and onions, then adding meat. There are distinctions between New Orleans Jambalaya, Creole and Cajun versions. But when it comes down to it, you get to choose what to throw in this pot. Season it up right and you have an amazing one-pot meal.

Shrimp Tip

If you want to add shrimp to the dish, don’t add it at the very beginning (they will get overcooked). Throw the shrimp in about 10-15 minutes into the simmering process. They will get nice and pink by the time you are ready to serve. Also, if you would like to give the smoked sausage a little boost of flavor, sauté it in a little butter before adding all the other ingredients. If you are in a hurry (like I usually am) you can just throw it in with all the other ingredients. Either way it will taste authentic and amazing!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover jambalaya pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in the microwave, stirring in between until it’s not. I love leftovers for lunch the next day! READ NEXT: Top 10 Shrimp Recipes

More One Pot Meals

Skinny One Pot Creamy Garlic Noodles: These creamy garlic noodles are delicious yet so easy and clean-up is a snap. No creams or large amounts of butter, making this meal a winner all-around! One Pot Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls : These one pot chicken teriyaki rice bowls make for the EASIEST week-night meal. You throw everything in one pot and let it simmer until finished! One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta:This One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta features shrimp or chicken, noodles, vegetables, seasonings, and peanuts all cooked together in a light, creamy peanut sauce. One Pot Tortellini with Sausage:This Creamy One Pot Tortellini with Sausage is a delicious meal that whips up in less than 30 minutes. The seasonings in the sauce make it so flavorful!