Spicy Jambalaya Pasta Chicken (Print Version)

Cajun-inspired pasta featuring chicken, shrimp, sausage, and a spicy tomato cream sauce with peppers and onions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 7 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 7 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 - 3.5 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced

→ Pasta

04 - 10.5 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1 medium onion, sliced
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce

09 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Oil & Garnish

17 - 2 tbsp olive oil
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
19 - Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sausage; season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Pour in heavy cream, mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Return chicken, sausage, and shrimp to the pan. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get all the bold complex flavors of jambalaya with the comfort of creamy pasta in about the same time it takes to order delivery
  • The sauce clings to every pasta crevice creating little flavor bombs in each bite that hit different heat levels as you eat
02 -
  • Do not skip the step where you taste and adjust before serving, Creole seasoning brands vary wildly in salt content and heat level
  • The pasta should be slightly undercooked when you drain it because it will absorb sauce and finish cooking in the final simmer
03 -
  • Let your cream come to room temperature before adding it to prevent any risk of it separating in the hot tomato sauce
  • Smoked paprika is not the same as regular paprika, it is essential for that authentic jambalaya depth

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