Jambalaya Pasta

The first time I had Jambalaya Pasta was at O'Charlie's. It was delicious. This recipe is equally so. Try it. It's a little spicey so cut down on the amount of pepper in the spice mix if you don't like spicey.

Jambalaya Pasta

1 lb. penne regate or ziti pasta
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. peeled, deveined large shrimp, thawed if frozen
Spice Mix (recipe follows)
3/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3/4 lb. adouille or polish sausage, cut into 1/2 slices
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
4 small cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp. fresh or 1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Paremesan

Cook pasta in pot of well-salted water until nearly done, about 10-12 minutes. Drain. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid.

While pasta cooks, heat oil in 14-inch skillet or pot. Season the shrimp well with the seasoning mix. Saute the shrimp 1 minute per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Season the chicken well with the seasoning mix and add to the oil. Saute about 3 minutes, turning so that pieces brown evenly. Remove the chicken and set aside with the shrimp.

Place the onions, peppers, garlic and sausage in the oil and saute until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock to the pan and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, thyme, 1 tbsp. of seasoning mix and cook for 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add the shrimp, the chicken, and the pasta as well as 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Continue to cook the sauce and pasta, stirring occasionally until the meats are cooked through, the pasta is done, and most of the cooking water has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the basil and the parmesan cheese. Toss to combine and serve while hot.

Seasoning Mix

2 1/2 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. salt
2 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients. Store in an air tight container.



This recipe is super easy and very delicious. It's a bit spicy but my baby was eating it with little to no complaint. You won't be upset that you took the time to make it.