There’s something comforting about a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The kind of dish that instantly transports you back to family dinners around Mama Lou’s old wooden table, where laughter mingled with the spicy aroma of her famous jambalaya. This jambalaya pasta recipe easy brings those memories into the present, blending the rich, soulful flavors of classic Creole cooking with the quick convenience of pasta. It’s a dish that my sister Ouma and I would sneak bites of when Mama Lou wasn’t looking, savoring the smoky, spicy blend that made every bite a celebration of home.
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Why You’ll Love This jambalaya pasta recipe easy
This jambalaya pasta recipe easy is the perfect balance of hearty and simple, ideal for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Growing up, Mama Lou’s jambalaya was a labor of love, simmered low and slow over the stove while stories were shared and secrets spilled. This pasta version keeps that spirit alive but speeds things up without sacrificing any of the soul.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can customize it with whatever proteins you have on hand—shrimp, sausage, or chicken—and it still tastes like a dish Mama Lou would be proud of. The pasta adds a lovely texture that carries the rich tomato and spice sauce beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a little Louisiana magic into your kitchen, no matter where you live.
I remember one chilly evening when Ouma and I whipped this up after a long day, and the whole house smelled like a warm hug from the bayou. It was quick, satisfying, and filled with the kind of flavors that make you close your eyes and smile. That’s the magic I hope you find in this jambalaya pasta recipe easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This jambalaya pasta recipe easy
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (whole wheat works well too)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced (substitute with smoked kielbasa or chorizo)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced (can use breast if preferred)
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 460 per serving (serves 4)
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg (varies with sausage and broth choice)
Easy Jambalaya Pasta Recipe That Brings Bold Flavors to Your Dinner Table
Learn how to make delicious jambalaya pasta recipe easy. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (whole wheat works well too)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced (substitute with smoked kielbasa or chorizo)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced (can use breast if preferred)
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add diced chicken thighs to the skillet and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
- If using shrimp, add them to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 8-10 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Return the cooked sausage, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice as needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your jambalaya pasta recipe easy
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add diced chicken thighs to the skillet and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
- If using shrimp, add them to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 8-10 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Return the cooked sausage, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice as needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Best jambalaya pasta recipe easy
One of the lessons Mama Lou passed down to me is to never rush the flavor-building steps. Take your time caramelizing the sausage and chicken—they add so much depth. When I make this with Ouma, she always reminds me to taste the sauce as it simmers. “You cook with your heart and your tongue,” she says, and that wisdom has never steered me wrong.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or rotisserie chicken to speed things up. Just remember to add them at the end to warm through without drying out. And don’t be shy with the spices—jambalaya is all about bold flavors, but you can always tone it down if you’re cooking for little ones. Learn more: Cheesy Pasta Perfection: Your New Go-To Recipe
For a lighter twist, swap the pasta for cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini. I tried this once during a summer visit with Mama Lou, and even she nodded approvingly at the fresh, vibrant take.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This jambalaya pasta recipe easy shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. I often serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the spice. Sometimes, Mama Lou would bring out her homemade cornbread, slightly sweet and buttery, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer also pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness while enhancing the smoky notes. When Ouma and I make this for friends, it quickly becomes the centerpiece of the table, sparking stories and warm conversations just like those evenings at Mama Lou’s kitchen.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this jambalaya pasta recipe easy are a blessing—flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the pasta and proteins.
If you want to freeze portions, do so without the pasta for best texture preservation. Freeze the jambalaya sauce and proteins in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for jambalaya pasta recipe easy?
The main ingredients for jambalaya pasta recipe easy include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make jambalaya pasta recipe easy?
The total time to make jambalaya pasta recipe easy includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make jambalaya pasta recipe easy ahead of time?
Yes, jambalaya pasta recipe easy can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with jambalaya pasta recipe easy?
jambalaya pasta recipe easy pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is jambalaya pasta recipe easy suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, jambalaya pasta recipe easy may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
This jambalaya pasta recipe easy holds a special place in my heart because it captures the essence of family, tradition, and the joy of cooking. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of Mama Lou’s laughter filling the kitchen and Ouma’s teasing as we both tried to sneak extra bites. It’s a dish that honors those moments while fitting perfectly into today’s busy life.
“Cooking is more than following a recipe; it’s about sharing stories, preserving memories, and nourishing the soul.”
I hope this recipe invites you into that same warm space, where food connects us to those we love and keeps our traditions alive. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this jambalaya pasta recipe easy is a delicious way to bring a little Creole comfort to your table.
