Spicy Jambalaya Pasta Chicken (Printable)

Bold Creole pasta with chicken, shrimp, sausage, peppers, and creamy tomato sauce bursting with spice.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 - ½ cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
13 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
14 - ¼ 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)

# How to Make:

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. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The spicy tomato cream sauce hugs every piece of pasta like an old friend
  • Three kinds of protein mean every bite feels substantial and satisfying
  • It comes together faster than delivery would arrive
02 -
  • Overcooking the shrimp will make them rubbery, pull them off the moment they turn pink
  • The sauce thickens as it sits off the heat, so dont worry if it looks slightly thin in the pan
  • Cajun seasoning brands vary wildly in salt content, taste before adding extra salt
03 -
  • Pat your shrimp and chicken dry before seasoning so they sear instead of steam
  • Use the same skillet throughout to build layers of flavor in the sauce

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