Pasta Jambalaya
A flavorful pasta jambalaya featuring tender chicken, shrimp, colorful peppers, and spinach fettucine simmered in a spicy tomato broth, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. ground Italian turkey ⓘ
- 8 oz. boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 18 medium shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 2 c. green peppers, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 c. canned crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. clam juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. fresh spinach fettucine ⓘ
Instructions
- In the microwave, cook separately the sausage, chicken, onions, and peppers until not quite tender.
- Add the cooked ingredients to a kettle containing crushed tomatoes, clam juice, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the fettucine until tender; drain.
- Serve the jambalaya over the cooked fettucine and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. You can substitute the ground Italian turkey with lean ground beef or omit it for a vegetarian version, using mushrooms instead. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten the dish. Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing the ground red pepper to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta Jambalaya with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a family-friendly meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Chicken Calzones for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pasta Jambalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Jambalaya contains roughly 861 calories, with 41g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (549% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2734mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this jambalaya?
Absolutely! While fresh spinach fettucine adds a nice touch, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type, ensuring it's cooked al dente before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving to maintain its texture. Reheat the jambalaya mixture on the stovetop and combine it with the pasta when ready to serve.
What can I add for extra veggies?
You can enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. These can be sautéed with the onions and peppers or stirred in during the simmering phase. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish more colorful and appealing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).