Jambalaya Pasta (One Pan)

Have a warm bowl of One Pan Jambalaya Pasta any day of the year – this dish is full of flavors and takes less than an hour to come together. It’s the perfect comfort food for a family weeknight dinner.

As you know, we do like pasta a lot, some of our favorites are adobo pasta with chicken, one pan chicken parmesan pasta, easy spicy shrimp marinara linguine and mushroom pesto penne.

Cajun Jambalaya pasta recipe made in one pot

I always think of cajun and southern food as family food. Food that’s made with family for family and even in restaurants, I’ve noticed that food is served family style, which means ten to twenty people who probably don’t know each other would sit around one table and eat together, experiencing the amazing joy of sharing food.

This easy jambalaya pasta is a recipe that I tested and developed when we had just come back from our annual southern trip (yes, that’s a thing we do) and I would love to share it with you. We do like one pot dishes too because no one got time to wash a dozen pots and pans after dinner!

Why this Cajun Jambalaya Pasta works

It’s such an easy recipe that’s made in one pan which means the pasta is going to be cooked in the same pan. That means less dishes to wash which is always my favorite. What I love the most about this jambalaya pasta is that it’s so easy to modify and adjust it to your taste and preference. Say, if you don’t like bell peppers, you can just leave them out and if you want more cajun flavoring, you can add celery to the dish. Same goes for the protein so you can easily leave the chicken out and use shrimp instead or just simply use both. It’s going to be amazingly delicious!

Interested in making your own cajun seasoning? Check out The Flavor Bender’s Cajun Seasoning Recipe. 

Let me tell you about this cajun jambalaya pasta recipe. See, I love Cajun/creole/southern food. It has so much flavor so much love in it that with every bite, you can hear the talks and laughter of people who were in the kitchen somewhere years and years when this dish was made. Isn’t that magical?

How to make Jambalaya Pasta

Start with sauteing onions and peppers in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. I love using a cast iron skillet for this recipe because it makes the dish taste so much better. Once the onions are translucent and the peppers are shimmery, add in cubes chicken breast and and cajun seasoning. Saute until the chicken pieces are golden brown on all sides and then add the sliced andouille sausage (I used chicken andouille sausage). Next, add in tomato sauce and tomato paste, linguine and some water or chicken stock. Cover and cook until linguine is cooked through, mix everything using tongs and that’s it! Easy, tasty and full of good ingredients!

This recipe makes me remember my family so much, maybe because it’s inspired by southern cuisine that in my idea is based on family and sharing food, like how we used to do back in Iran. Which takes me to the present, when everyday I’m wondering if I’m ever going to break bread with my family by my side not as visitors, but as people who live here.

Creamy jambalaya pasta

To make creamy jambalaya pasta, or as some call it, pastalaya, add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the pot once you add one cup of water. Add more water if needed.

Looking for more tasty recipes?

• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Pan Seared Cod with Shallots and Fennel
• Italian Sausage Pasta 

Notes and tips for this Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

• You can use any kind of pasta to make this dish, cooking time and the amount of water used may vary.
• I prefer fresh onions and peppers but you can totally use frozen if that’s what you have at hand.
• If you have shrimp, add some to the pasta before you add the tomato sauce.
• For more flavor, add chopped celery to onion and pepper.
• If you like cheesy pasta, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar before serving and let it melt on the pasta.
• For a spicier jambalaya pasta, add 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning.

5 from 2 votes

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One Pan Jambalaya Pasta

Have a warm bowl of One Pan Jambalaya Pasta any day of the year - this dish is full of flavors and takes less than an hour to come together. Perfect comfort food!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Author Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion minced
• 1 red or green bell pepper diced
• 1 chicken breast cut into small pieces
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning more if you like it spicier
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cut spicy sausage
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 8 oz linguine
• 1 - 1 1/2 cup water more if needed

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat, saute onion until translucent.
2. Add in bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in chicken breast. Cook about 10 minutes until all sides are golden brown.
4. Season with cajun seasoning and salt, add spicy sausage and mix.
5. Add in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
6. Add in linguine and water, cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the pasta is cooked through, mix everything using tongs.
7. Serve warm.