Description
Classic Jambalaya is a bold, comforting one-pan dinner that brings together juicy chicken, smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and seasoned rice in every flavorful bite. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, easy dinner, family meal, and cozy weekend cooking when you want satisfying food ideas without making multiple dishes. Packed with Cajun-inspired flavor, colorful vegetables, and hearty protein, it is one of those dinner ideas that feels special while still being simple enough for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz
3 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the chicken pieces. Season lightly with a little of the salt and pepper, then cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the rice in the seasonings.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Return the sausage and chicken to the pan and mix everything together.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Stir in the shrimp and peas, cover again, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
8. Remove from the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork and top with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Do not add the shrimp too early, or they can turn rubbery before the rice is fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 165mg