Life as a busy mom can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to meal planning. You want quick recipes that your family will love, but you also want something that feels special. This Cajun Jambalaya offers just that—comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With its rich blend of ingredients, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a tasty adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cajun Jambalaya checks all the boxes for a family-friendly meal. It’s easy to make, ready in about 30 minutes, and uses one pot for minimal cleanup. The combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp gives it a hearty feel, while the spices create a delightful depth of flavor. Kids tend to enjoy the taste, and it’s a great way to get them to eat vegetables without any fuss. Plus, you can customize this dish based on what you have in your pantry, making it flexible for busy lives.
How to Make Cajun Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, diced
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups uncooked rice
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until browned.
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Stir in shrimp and cook for an additional 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cajun Jambalaya
A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp with a rich blend of spices, perfect for busy families.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, diced
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups uncooked rice
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until browned.
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Stir in shrimp and cook for an additional 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
Leftover Cajun Jambalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
How to Serve
Serve Cajun Jambalaya hot, right from the pot. It goes well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up extra juices. You can also pair it with a side of fruit for a sweet contrast. For a fun twist, let the kids add their toppings, like cheese or extra spices, to personalize their bowls.
How to Store
Leftover Cajun Jambalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it nice and moist. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and enjoy a comforting meal later on.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to adjust the meat according to your family’s preferences. You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with extra vegetables and chickpeas. Add in some Cajun-style okra for a classic touch. You can also turn up the heat with some hot sauce if your family enjoys spicier food.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot for even cooking.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The flavors are bold but easy to enjoy. You can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning if you’re worried about spice levels.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it gently. Just be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating.
Conclusion
Cajun Jambalaya offers warmth and comfort that can make any family meal feel special and exciting. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to save it for future family gatherings. Happy cooking!
