Quick And Tasty Jambalaya
A quick, flavorful jambalaya featuring rice, shrimp, chicken, sausage, and vegetables, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with bold spices and smoky notes.
Ingredients
- 2 (6.8 oz.) packages Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked, cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked and peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large can chopped tomatoes (with juice) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté rice mix as the package directs.
- Stir in 2 cups water, cooked chicken, sliced sausage, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes with juice, minced garlic, hot pepper sauce, and contents of the seasoning packet. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked shrimp and chopped green pepper.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add more hot pepper sauce if desired for extra heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can substitute the smoked sausage with andouille sausage or even chorizo. If you're short on time, feel free to use pre-cooked shrimp to speed up the process. Additionally, you can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of hot pepper sauce according to your taste. Using fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a garnish can also enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this jambalaya with a side of French Green Salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Chicken, Shrimp And Rice(From Guyana) for a delightful Southern-inspired meal. For a heartier option, consider crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Tasty Jambalaya contains roughly 471 calories, with 20g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1580mg per serving (69% 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 make this jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Can I use different proteins in this jambalaya?
Absolutely! You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins such as diced ham, crawfish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times accordingly for each protein type.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Additionally, consider using spicy sausage for an added layer of heat that complements the overall flavor of the jambalaya.
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).