Spicy Jambalaya Pasta Chicken Shrimp (Printable)

Louisiana-inspired pasta combining chicken, shrimp, peppers, and bold Cajun spices in a creamy sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 - 3.5 oz andouille sausage, sliced

→ Pasta

04 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small onion, diced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tomatoes, diced
10 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Sauce

11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
13 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
15 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Spices

16 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
17 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
18 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
19 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

21 - Fresh parsley, chopped
22 - Grated Parmesan cheese

# Steps:

01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
02 - Toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sliced sausage; cook 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add seasoned shrimp; cook 1-2 minutes per side until just opaque and pink. Remove and set aside with chicken.
05 - In the same skillet, cook onion and bell peppers until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Cook 2 minutes to develop flavors.
07 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
08 - Return cooked chicken, sausage, and shrimp to the pan. Add pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, garnished with green onions, parsley, and Parmesan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every piece of pasta delivering that perfect hit of creamy spice in each forkful
  • You get three proteins working together creating layers of flavor that keep every bite interesting
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • Do not skip reserving that pasta water it is the secret weapon for perfectly silky sauce consistency
  • Shrimp cook incredibly fast remove them the second they turn opaque or they will become tough
  • The sauce will thicken as it stands off the heat so keep that pasta water handy for reheating
03 -
  • Cut all your vegetables and proteins before you start cooking once the heat is on this recipe moves fast
  • Let your skillet get properly hot before adding the chicken those browned bits are flavor gold

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