YumVerseEats
Cajun Comfort
One-Pan Jambalaya
Smoky sausage, tender rice, and bold Cajun-inspired flavor come together in one easy pan.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
15
min
Active Time
45
min
Total Time
4
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
Browning the sausage first builds deep, savory flavor right in the pan, while the rice cooks in the seasoned broth and soaks up every bit of that smoky richness. It delivers the comfort of a slow-simmered dinner with a much easier weeknight method.
Ingredients
Seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
Protein
• 12 oz smoked sausage or andouille, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
Pasta & Grains
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
Topping
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for finishing
How to Make It
1
Brown the sausage.
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
2
Cook the vegetables.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3
Build the flavor base.
Stir in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute so the spices bloom and the tomato paste deepens in color.
4
Add the rice and liquid.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the rice, and the chicken broth. Mix well, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.
5
Simmer.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
Rest and finish.
Turn off the heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff gently with a fork, and fold in the green onions and parsley.
7
Serve.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
How to Make It
1
Brown the sausage.
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
2
Cook the vegetables.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3
Build the flavor base.
Stir in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute so the spices bloom and the tomato paste deepens in color.
4
Add the rice and liquid.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the rice, and the chicken broth. Mix well, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.
5
Simmer.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
Rest and finish.
Turn off the heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff gently with a fork, and fold in the green onions and parsley.
7
Serve.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Ingredients
Seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
Protein
• 12 oz smoked sausage or andouille, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
Pasta & Grains
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
Topping
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for finishing
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store not recommended, loses flavor and texture.
Reheat:
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice and keep it from drying out.
Swaps
No chicken broth? Use the same amount of vegetable broth.
Avo's Tip
Let the sausage get a little color before adding the rice and broth — that quick step gives the whole pan a deeper, richer flavor.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of sausage?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs or diced chicken breast work well. Cook until browned before adding the rice and broth.
What kind of rice works best for jambalaya?
Long-grain white rice works best here because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without turning gummy.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Use a mild smoked sausage and reduce or skip the cayenne or spicy seasoning blend.
Quick Fixes
Rice looks dry before it turns tender: add a splash of warm broth and keep cooking covered for a few more minutes.
Dish feels too wet at the end: uncover the pan and let it simmer briefly so the excess liquid cooks off.
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