Description
This comforting One-Pot Jambalaya Pasta combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, smoked turkey sausage, and tender chicken breasts with bowtie pasta simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant vegetables, this hearty dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 smoked turkey sausage rope, sliced
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or chicken thighs)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Creole Cajun seasoning (add more for spicier taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Liquids and Canned Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (juice included)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 12 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta (about 4 cups)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage and brown on both sides for about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the chicken and vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn a light golden brown; they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Add diced onions and both colored bell peppers, cooking until the vegetables soften.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the Creole Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, diced tomatoes with green chiles (including juice), and tomato sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with pasta: Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low to create a simmer. Stir frequently and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 20 to 25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes; the mixture should be thick and creamy with very little broth left. If the pasta is not fully cooked or the mixture is too dry, add 1/2 to 1 cup more chicken broth as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Once pasta is cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control the heat level.
- If the dish becomes too thick while cooking, gradually add more chicken broth to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Bowtie pasta can be substituted with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
- This recipe is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
