Quick And Jazzy Jambalaya
Quick And Jazzy Jambalaya offers a vibrant mix of rice, seafood, ham, and vegetables, seasoned with a touch of hot pepper sauce. Its bold flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for a lively family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cooked ham or uncooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes with juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. frozen precooked shrimp or raw shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice mix according to the package directions.
- Stir in 2 cups of water, chopped cooked ham or uncooked chicken, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes with juice, minced garlic, hot pepper sauce, and the contents of the seasoning packet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp and chopped green bell pepper.
- Cover again and simmer for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the shrimp turns pink.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked sausage or andouille sausage as a substitute for ham or chicken. You can also add other vegetables like okra or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the hot pepper sauce to taste. Make sure to sauté the garlic briefly to prevent burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a refreshing fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the jambalaya to prevent it from drying out, and heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Jazzy Jambalaya contains roughly 419 calories, with 12g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% 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 brown rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but cooking times will vary. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, around 35-45 minutes. Make sure to adjust the liquid and simmer time accordingly to ensure the rice is cooked through.
What if I don’t have shrimp?
If shrimp isn't available, you can easily replace it with cooked sausage or additional chicken. Alternatively, omit the protein altogether for a vegetarian version. Just be mindful to add more vegetables to maintain a balanced dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the jambalaya up to the point of adding shrimp and bell pepper. Allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, heat it on the stovetop and add the shrimp and bell pepper for a quick meal. This method can save you time during busy weeknights.
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).