Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

Introduction

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines the rich spices of Cajun cuisine with succulent chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage. This hearty pasta dish offers a taste of Louisiana with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is sure to impress with its spicy kick and robust ingredients.

Why Make Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta brings together a medley of ingredients, from tender chicken to juicy shrimp and savory andouille sausage, all seasoned with a zesty Cajun spice blend. This dish offers a fusion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds, making it a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a taste of the South or simply seeking a satisfying pasta dish with a kick, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta delivers on both flavor and flair.

How to Make Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, shrimp, sausage, Cajun spices, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, garlic, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until well coated.
2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over high heat.
3. In two batches, sear off the ingredients until they are cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet with all the cooked ingredients.
5. Cook for a minute or two, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Use tongs to coat the pasta with the sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley and leftover minced bell peppers, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Jambalaya Pasta hot, straight from the skillet, for optimal flavor and texture. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complement the bold flavors of the dish. For a complete Cajun-inspired meal, consider serving alongside classic sides like cornbread or collard greens.

Storage Info

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Note that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce during storage, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to revive the dish’s sauciness.

Some Techniques or Tips

• Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the ingredients to achieve a nice sear and lock in the flavors.
• Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when added to the skillet with the sauce.
• Adjust the level of Cajun spice according to your preference for spiciness. You can also make your own Cajun spice blend by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Variation

For a lighter version of Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, you can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for the fettuccine. Additionally, you can incorporate more vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, diced celery, or chopped spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different protein options, such as turkey sausage or tofu, to suit your dietary preferences.

FAQs about Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, and sausage for this recipe? While pre-cooked proteins can be used, searing the ingredients in the skillet with the Cajun spices allows them to absorb more flavor and develop a nice char, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
2. I’m sensitive to spicy foods. Can I adjust the level of heat in this recipe? Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of Cajun spice blend or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version of Cajun Jambalaya Pasta.
3. What is the best way to devein shrimp for this recipe? To devein shrimp, use a small knife to make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp, then remove the dark vein with the tip of the knife or a deveining tool. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to ensure it’s clean before adding it to the dish.

Recipe Card

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

This Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is a flavorful dish featuring chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage cooked with Cajun spices, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all served over fettuccine pasta. It's a spicy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound shrimp, deveined
• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 3 tablespoons Cajun spice blend
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta, cooked but not rinsed
• parsley, for garnish
• leftover minced bell peppers, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, shrimp, sausage, Cajun spices, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, garlic, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until well coated.
• Heat canola oil in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over high heat.
• In two batches, sear off the ingredients until they are cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes.
• Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet with all the cooked ingredients.
• Cook for a minute or two, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Use tongs to coat the pasta with the sauce.
• Garnish with parsley and leftover minced bell peppers, if desired.

Notes

This Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is a spicy and flavorful dish that combines a variety of meats and vegetables with Cajun seasoning for a deliciously satisfying meal. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Keyword Chicken, pasta, Sausage, Shrimp, Spicy