Creamy Jambalaya Pasta

This Creamy Jambalaya Pasta combines everything I love about classic jambalaya with the rich comfort of a creamy pasta dish. Tender Cajun-seasoned shrimp, juicy chicken thighs, and smoky sausage are layered into a silky Parmesan cream sauce that's packed with the flavors of onions, celery, peppers, garlic, and Cajun spices. Every bite delivers a combination of smoky, savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped around perfectly cooked fettuccine. The sauce clings to every noodle while the shrimp, chicken, and sausage make this a hearty meal that's guaranteed to satisfy. It's the kind of dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food made right in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you love bold Cajun flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds. The combination of shrimp, chicken, and sausage creates incredible depth of flavor while the Parmesan cream sauce balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning. It's hearty enough for a family dinner, impressive enough for guests, and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Every forkful is loaded with protein, vegetables, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a complete meal in one bowl.

Variations

Spicy Jambalaya Pasta

Add diced jalapeños and extra Cajun seasoning.

Seafood Lover's Version

Add crawfish tails, crab meat, or scallops.

Chicken Only Version

Skip the shrimp and sausage for a simpler meal.

Blackened Jambalaya Pasta

Blacken the shrimp and chicken before adding them to the pasta.

Andouille Sausage Version

Use traditional andouille sausage for authentic Louisiana flavor.

Lighter Version

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Vegetable Loaded Version

Add mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes.

1. Step 1: Cook the shrimp

2. Step 2: Cook the chicken thighs

3. Step 3: Cook the sausage

4. Step 4: Cook the veggies

Creamy Jambalaya Pasta

This Creamy Jambalaya Pasta combines shrimp, chicken, sausage, fettuccine, Cajun seasoning, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce into a hearty Louisiana-inspired pasta dish packed with bold flavor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 pound chicken thighs diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 8 ounces smoked sausage sliced
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 cup celery diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• ½ red bell pepper diced
• 5 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Pat the shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning.
• Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
• Add diced chicken thighs to the same skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Add the remaining olive oil and sliced sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned around the edges. Remove and set aside.
• Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Add onion, celery, green pepper, and red pepper.
• Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Pour in the heavy cream. Add Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
• Return the shrimp, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Add half of the reserved pasta water and gently toss.
• Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Stir in fresh parsley.Serve immediately while hot and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Video

Recipe Tips

Don't overcook the shrimp. Sear them just until pink and remove them from the skillet. Adding them back at the end keeps them juicy and tender instead of rubbery.

Keyword chicken and sausage pasta, creamy jambalaya pasta, creamy sausage pasta, jambalaya recipes, sausage jambalaya, shrimp and sausage jambalaya

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