Dinner

Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Chicken, Turkey Sausage, and Shrimp Recipe

Byanna orden February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty dish that blends chicken, sausage, shrimp, and rice with vibrant Cajun spices. This one-pan meal delivers a perfect balance of savory ingredients and a touch of heat, making it a satisfying choice for any dinner.

A white bowl filled with a colorful shrimp and sausage dish, showing several light pink shrimp with curled tails placed on top. Below the shrimp are browned sausage slices and chunks of cooked yellow rice mixed with orange bell peppers and small bits of green herbs sprinkled across the surface. The rice looks moist with a soft texture, and the shrimp shine slightly, indicating they are cooked but juicy. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 small onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2-3 jalapeno peppers, chopped (optional)
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
½ pound turkey sausage, chopped
½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3-4 tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup white rice

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, red bell pepper, jalapenos (if using), and celery for 6-7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic, chicken, and turkey sausage to the pan; cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes more.
Step 4: Add Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and chicken stock. Mix everything well.
Step 5: Stir in white rice and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 6: In a separate pan, sauté the seasoned shrimp until cooked through, then fold them into the jambalaya before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try using Andouille sausage instead of turkey sausage.
Adjust the jalapeno quantity to control the spiciness—or omit them for a milder dish.
Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase cooking time and liquid slightly.
Add chopped green onions and fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a rich dish layered with yellow-orange rice at the bottom, topped with plump shrimp that have pink and white shells, browned sausage slices, and pieces of chicken with a golden-brown color. Mixed among the ingredients are small chunks of orange bell pepper and green herb sprinkles that add contrast. The texture of the dish appears moist and slightly glossy, showing a mix of tender meat and juicy seafood. The contents fill the bowl generously, with a close focus on the mix of colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make jambalaya vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the meat and shrimp, and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and extra bell peppers. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a fully vegetarian version.

Is jambalaya gluten-free?

Traditional jambalaya is naturally gluten-free as it contains rice and fresh ingredients. Just ensure that your Cajun seasoning and sausage do not contain gluten additives.