This Hearty Creole Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder straight from Louisiana! Loaded with tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, fresh shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Bursting with rich flavors and just the right amount of heat, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need a little taste of New Orleans at home.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 10 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds

• 1 pound skinless chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 small green bell pepper, diced

• 1 small red bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 14 oz crushed tomatoes, canned

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder)

• ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup okra, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon file powder)

• 1½ cups uncooked white rice (short or long grain)

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ teaspoon green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• ½ teaspoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the sausage and chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning.

2. Brown the sausage in the hot oil. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add remaining oil and sauté chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the onion, green and red bell peppers, and celery until the onion is soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes (or cayenne), hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining Cajun seasoning.

5. Add okra (or file powder), chicken, and sausage. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

7. Add shrimp on top, gently stir through, and cover again. Simmer until shrimp are cooked and pink, about 5–6 minutes.

8. Season to taste with extra salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, based on 6–8 servings)

• Calories: 596 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 52g

• Protein: 43g

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

• Cholesterol: 184mg

• Sodium: 1456mg

• Potassium: 1092mg

• Vitamin A: 2094 IU

• Vitamin C: 39mg

• Calcium: 131mg

• Iron: 4mg

Why Hearty Creole Jambalaya Is So Popular

Creole Jambalaya is beloved for its robust flavors, ease of preparation, and the way it brings people together. A single pot packed with meat, seafood, vegetables, and rice creates a complete, balanced meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The combination of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp layered with Cajun spices and savory aromatics results in an irresistible medley that appeals to a wide variety of palates. Its adaptability, rich cultural heritage, and comforting nature have made Jambalaya a staple not just in Louisiana, but across the entire United States and beyond.

Perfect for Gatherings and Weeknight Dinners

One of the standout qualities of Hearty Creole Jambalaya is its ability to feed a crowd without requiring complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen. This one-pot wonder simplifies meal prep and cleanup while delivering restaurant-quality results. It’s the perfect choice for casual get-togethers, family celebrations, or even laid-back weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and full of flavor. Jambalaya’s generous nature means it reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to. Plus, the deep, spicy flavors continue to develop over time, often tasting even better the next day.

A Celebration of Cajun and Creole Traditions

Jambalaya holds a cherished place in the culinary traditions of Louisiana, drawing from Spanish, French, African, and Caribbean influences. Creole Jambalaya, sometimes called “red jambalaya,” distinguishes itself with the inclusion of tomatoes, giving the dish its signature reddish hue and a slightly sweet tang. The use of the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery anchors the dish with a deeply savory base, while layers of herbs, spices, and meats create a depth of flavor that is both complex and comforting. Every bowl of Creole Jambalaya tells a story of cultural fusion, celebration, and resilience, making it more than just a meal—it’s a piece of living history.

Adaptability and Variations

While the classic version of Hearty Creole Jambalaya features chicken, sausage, and shrimp, the recipe is endlessly adaptable based on preference or availability. Some variations incorporate crawfish, crab, or other local seafood for a more coastal touch. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning, adding extra hot sauce, or including fresh chili peppers. Vegetarians can adapt the recipe by using plant-based sausage alternatives and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. Swapping white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can cater to different dietary needs while preserving the dish’s essential spirit.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite its rich and indulgent flavor profile, Creole Jambalaya offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. The dish provides high-quality protein from the combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp, supporting muscle health and satiety. The vegetables contribute important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance overall wellness. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Okra, if included, adds fiber and important nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6. By using lean cuts of meat, adjusting oil quantities, and opting for low-sodium broth, it’s easy to keep this dish hearty yet health-conscious. The blend of macronutrients and micronutrients makes Jambalaya not just comforting but also a genuinely nourishing meal option.

Tips for Making the Best Creole Jambalaya

A few essential tips ensure that your Creole Jambalaya turns out perfectly every time. Proper browning of the sausage and chicken at the beginning of the cooking process builds deep, savory flavor. Using high-quality Cajun seasoning or making your own blend allows you to control the balance of spice and salt. Cooking the vegetables until they are soft and aromatic sets a flavorful foundation for the dish. Stirring the rice occasionally during simmering prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Adding the shrimp at the very end prevents overcooking, keeping them tender and juicy. Finally, letting the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining broth, resulting in the perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Hearty Creole Jambalaya is truly a complete meal on its own but can be beautifully complemented with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish. Cornbread or warm, crusty French bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up every last bit of sauce. For a refreshing contrast, a side of coleslaw or pickled vegetables adds a welcome crunch. A cool glass of sweet tea, a refreshing beer, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling pairs wonderfully with the bold, spicy flavors of the Jambalaya, creating a satisfying and cohesive meal.

Origins and Cultural Significance

The origins of Jambalaya are deeply rooted in the history of Louisiana, blending influences from Spanish paella, French provincial cooking, and African culinary traditions. The dish evolved in the multicultural melting pot of New Orleans and surrounding areas, where available ingredients and local customs shaped its distinct identity. Creole Jambalaya reflects the rich tapestry of cultures that have contributed to Louisiana’s unique food heritage. Its popularity spread beyond regional boundaries, symbolizing warmth, community, and the simple joy of sharing good food. Today, making Jambalaya is often as much about preserving tradition and storytelling as it is about enjoying a delicious meal.

Reasons to Love Hearty Creole Jambalaya

There are countless reasons why Hearty Creole Jambalaya deserves a place in your kitchen repertoire. It’s a complete meal, packed with protein, vegetables, and grains, all cooked in one pot for ultimate convenience. Its bold, spicy flavors satisfy comfort food cravings without being overly heavy. It is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on your tastes and dietary preferences. The dish scales beautifully for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, and family dinners. Most importantly, it brings the spirit and flavors of New Orleans straight into your home, offering a culinary adventure without the need to travel.

Conclusion

Hearty Creole Jambalaya is more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful journey to the heart of Louisiana. With its rich blend of tender meats, succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices, every bite captures the soul-warming comfort and festive spirit of Creole cooking. Quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions, this one-pot wonder is as practical as it is delicious. Bursting with flavor, culture, and history, Hearty Creole Jambalaya invites you to experience the joy of Southern hospitality with every hearty, satisfying spoonful.