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Jambalaya Pasta

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Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.



Jambalaya Pasta is a fully loaded pasta recipe with a kick.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

This spicy meat and seafood pasta is sure to be a family favourite.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

This Cajun pasta recipe takes just over thirty minutes from start to finish and serves up to six people.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this jambalaya pasta, I started by cooking some penne noodles a couple minutes less than stated in the directions on the package.

While the penne was cooking, I seasoned some shrimp and chicken breast chunks with Cajun seasoning.

I heated some oil in a large skillet.

I dropped the seasoned shrimp into the hot skillet and cooked them for 1-2 minutes per side.

Cajun seasoned shrimp cooking in a skillet.

Then I removed the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

I added some more oil to the skillet and then dropped the seasoned chicken breast chunks into the pan.

I cooked the chicken breast chunks until they were browned on all sides.

Cajun seasoned chicken breast chunks cooking in a skillet

I removed the chicken breast chunks from the skillet and set them aside.

I dropped some andouille sausage slices into the skillet and browned the slices on both sides.

sliced sausage cooking in a skillet

I added some sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage.

I stirred and cooked until the vegetables had softened.

sliced bell peppers, onions and sausage cooking in a skillet

I added some minced garlic to the skillet and continued cooking for about a minute.

I added some canned tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, the cooked chicken and cooked penne to the skillet.

cooked penne noodles, canned tomatoes and cooked chicken added to skillet

I stirred well and brought it to a gentle boil.

I placed a lid on the skillet and reduced the heat to low.

I left the dish to simmer until the sauce had thickened and the pasta was tender.

I added the cooked shrimp to the skillet and continued cooking just until the shrimp were heated through.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

I sprinkled some fresh chopped parsley on top.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

Then the Cajun shrimp pasta was ready to serve.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

This spicy penne pasta is a fun twist to a traditional Creole dish.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

This southern dish is sure to be a hit with both lovers of seafood and spice.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

If you are looking for a delicious shrimp pasta recipe, then you need to try this Jambalaya Pasta!

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

More Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Jambalaya Pasta:

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 6 teaspoons cajun seasoning, divided
  • 12-14 large shrimp (31/35 count per pound), peeled (around 6 ounces shrimp).
  • 2 medium chicken breasts, diced into ¾ inch pieces (around 12 ounces)
  • 2 andouille sausage links, sliced (around 6 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • ½ large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
  • ⅔ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Jambalaya Pasta:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until 1-2 minutes short of al dente based on the package directions. Drain the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken with 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  5. Drop the shrimp into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  6. Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and brown the chicken on all sides until almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and brown the sausage slices on both sides for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the onion and bell peppers to the pan with the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
  9. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until fragrant.
  10. Add the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
  11. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is tender.
  12. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are heated through.
  13. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
  14. Enjoy!

FAQS:

How should I store jambalaya pasta?

  • To store jambalaya pasta, it’s important to first cool it down to room temperature. Once the dish has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. It’s important to ensure that the container or bag is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering, which can cause the food to spoil faster.
  • You can store jambalaya pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • When you’re ready to eat the stored jambalaya pasta, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splattering. When reheating on the stove, add a splash of water or broth to the dish to help prevent it from drying out.

What should I serve with this jambalaya pasta?

Jambalaya pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with jambalaya pasta:

  1. Garlic Bread: This classic side dish pairs well with jambalaya pasta and helps to soak up the delicious sauce.
  2. Side Salad: A light and fresh salad, such as a Caesar or garden salad, can help balance out the richness of the jambalaya pasta.
  3. Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the spicy flavors of jambalaya pasta.
  4. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant can add a fresh, healthy element to the meal.
  5. Coleslaw: A creamy and tangy coleslaw can be a refreshing complement to the bold flavors of the jambalaya pasta.
  6. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices can make for a satisfying and hearty side dish.

Ultimately, the choice of sides will depend on personal preference and dietary restrictions, but any of these options can make for a tasty and well-rounded meal.

What substitutions could I make?

Jambalaya pasta is a flexible dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions you can make:

  1. Protein: You can swap out the protein in the dish for something else, such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegetarian or vegan option. You can also substitute the meat with another type of protein, such as ground beef, ground turkey, or even venison.
  2. Pasta: You can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Fettuccine, fusilli, and rotini are good alternatives to penne. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
  3. Vegetables: If you don’t like the vegetables used in the recipe, you can substitute them with other vegetables that you prefer, such as mushrooms, kale, or spinach.
  4. Sauce: If you prefer a creamier pasta, you can substitute the tomato-based sauce with a cream-based sauce, such as Alfredo sauce.

Remember, substitutions can affect the flavor and texture of the dish, so be sure to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking.

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

Jambalaya Pasta

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Jambalaya Pasta is a hearty penne pasta recipe loaded with bell peppers, shrimp, chicken breast chunks and andouille sausage all tossed in a tomato based sauce with a kick from some Cajun seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 6 teaspoons cajun seasoning, divided
  • 12-14 large shrimp (31/35 count per pound), peeled (around 6 ounces shrimp).
  • 2 medium chicken breasts, diced into ¾ inch pieces (around 12 ounces)
  • 2 andouille sausage links, sliced (around 6 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • ½ large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
  • ⅔ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until 1-2 minutes short of al dente based on the package directions. Drain the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken with 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  5. Drop the shrimp into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  6. Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and brown the chicken on all sides until almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and brown the sausage slices on both sides for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the onion and bell peppers to the pan with the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
  9. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until fragrant.
  10. Add the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
  11. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is tender.
  12. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are heated through.
  13. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
  14. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth.
  • Do not get too caught up on the exact weights of the protein. If you are a little over or under, it won’t affect the outcome of the pasta.
  • Any pasta can be used to make this Jambalaya pasta, including rotini, farfalle, or even fettuccine. When pre-cooking the pasta, be sure to stop 1-2 minutes short of al dente as the pasta will continue to cook once added to the pan with the sauce.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of the chicken breast in this recipe. Ensure you remove the bones and skin before cooking.
  • If you are not a fan of pork, you can substitute the andouille sausage with chicken sausage or omit it altogether.
  • If you are sensitive to spice, you may want to halve the amount of cajun seasoning and add more to taste as the sauce simmers.
  • I recommend garnishing the pasta with fresh, finely chopped parsley to add some freshness and a nice pop of green.
  • Wait until the last few minutes to add the shrimp to the pan to heat through. If you add them too early, you risk overcooking them and ending up with rubbery shrimp.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1492mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 20g

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