This hearty Pasta Jambalaya brings together the best of Cajun and Italian cuisines, combining succulent shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage with perfectly cooked fettuccine in a flavorful, spice-infused sauce. It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with protein from three different meats
- Perfect blend of Cajun spices
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup
- Customizable heat level
- Restaurant-quality results at home
Ingredients
For the Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ pound shrimp, deveined
- ½ pound andouille sausage, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
For the Vegetables & Aromatics
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
For the Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons Cajun spice blend
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta, cooked but not rinsed
- Parsley and extra minced bell peppers for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Protein and Vegetable Mix
Combine in a large bowl:
- Chicken pieces
- Shrimp
- Sliced sausage
- All vegetables
- Cajun spices
- Salt and pepper
Toss well to ensure even coating.
2. Cook the Protein Mixture
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over high heat
- Cook the mixture in two batches (4-5 minutes each)
- Ensure meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender
3. Create the Sauce
- Return all cooked ingredients to the pan
- Add diced tomatoes and chicken stock
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors
4. Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the pan
- Use tongs to coat pasta evenly with the sauce
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra bell peppers
Pro Tips
- Shrimp Timing: If you’re concerned about overcooking the shrimp, set them aside after seasoning and add them to the pan last
- Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level
- Vegetable Prep: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
- Sodium: 1023mg
- Potassium: 510mg
- Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 385 IU
- Vitamin C: 27.2mg
- Calcium: 71mg
- Iron: 1.7mg
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture
- Not recommended for freezing due to the pasta and shrimp
Recipe Variations
- Substitute chicken with turkey for a lighter option
- Use different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni
- Make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage and increasing the vegetables
- Add okra for authentic Cajun flavor
- Spice it up with extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty French bread
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Accompany with a chilled white wine or cold beer
- Finish the meal with traditional bread pudding for dessert
Enjoy this delicious fusion of Cajun and Italian cuisines that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table!
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