Name: One Pot Jambalaya – A Flavorful Twist on Easy Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 to 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 to 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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This One Pot Jambalaya is your go-to solution for easy recipes for dinner! Packed with Cajun spices, juicy sausage, tender chicken, and plump shrimp, it’s a flavor-packed dish that’ll satisfy everyone. Best of all, it comes together in just one pot—making cleanup a breeze! Perfect for those who love quick and easy recipes, easy recipes with ground beef (if swapping proteins), or even easy recipes with rotisserie chicken. Add it to your list of easy shrimp recipes and easy rice recipes for effortless weeknight meals.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Jambalaya Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Jambalaya
4) How to Make One Pot Jambalaya
5) Tips for Making One Pot Jambalaya
6) Making One Pot Jambalaya Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Jambalaya
8) Try these One Pot & Curry next!
9) One Pot Jambalaya
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This easy recipe for dinner is full of bold Cajun flavor.
Only one pot needed for cooking and cleanup.
Includes sausage, chicken, and shrimp for a hearty mix.
Perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners.

2) Easy One Pot Jambalaya Recipe

If you’re hunting for easy recipes for dinner that deliver serious flavor without the fuss, this One Pot Jambalaya is it. It combines juicy sausage, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp all in one pot with classic Cajun seasoning and fluffy rice. The rich, savory blend makes it a hit for families or guests, and best of all—it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy recipes or need a comforting one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out, this dish delivers. It also makes great use of pantry staples and flexible proteins—try it with easy recipes with rotisserie chicken or even easy recipes with ground beef. With this jambalaya, dinner doesn’t just get done—it gets devoured. Keep reading to see why it’s one of the best easy meal recipes you’ll make this week.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Jambalaya

Olive Oil: Used as the base for browning the sausage and chicken, this oil adds richness and helps develop flavor right from the first step.

Smoked Sausage: This gives the dish a deep, smoky bite that balances perfectly with the spices and complements the tender chicken and shrimp.

Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, the diced chicken cooks quickly and soaks up the savory flavors of the spices and broth.

Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and body to the dish, forming a classic aromatic base along with bell pepper and celery.

Green Bell Pepper: Adds a slight bitterness and bright color that balances the deep, rich notes of the sausage and seasonings.

Celery: Adds crunch and a mild earthiness that’s key to traditional Cajun cooking, often part of the “holy trinity.”

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent and irresistible aroma to the dish, layering flavor right before the rice goes in.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes add a slight charred depth and acidity that cuts through the richness of the proteins.

White Rice: Long-grain rice soaks up all the spicy broth, expanding to become the hearty base of this filling dish.

Chicken Broth: Acts as the cooking liquid for the rice and infuses every bite with savory, comforting flavor.

Cajun Seasoning: This bold, spicy blend brings the heat and Southern flair that defines jambalaya. Adjust to your spice level!

Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful red hue that intensifies the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential—used to fine-tune the final taste to perfection, bringing out all the natural flavors.

Shrimp: Added last to avoid overcooking, these little guys add a burst of ocean-fresh taste and luxurious texture.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness, color, and a hint of herbaceous contrast.

4) How to Make One Pot Jambalaya

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it begins to brown and caramelize. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Add diced chicken breasts to the same pot and sear until lightly browned on all sides. You don’t have to cook it through yet—just get a good sear. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the sausage.

Step 3: Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.

Step 4: Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, uncooked rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Once the rice is nearly done, stir in the shrimp. Cover and cook for another 5–7 minutes, just until the shrimp turns pink and tender.

Step 7: Fluff the jambalaya with a fork, garnish with parsley, and taste to adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Jambalaya

Use long-grain rice, which cooks evenly and holds its shape in one-pot dishes like this. Be careful not to over-stir during the cooking process, as this can make the rice mushy. Don’t skip searing the sausage and chicken—it creates flavor depth that carries through the entire dish. When adding shrimp, make sure they go in during the final few minutes so they stay juicy and tender instead of rubbery. Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your personal spice preference, or opt for a mild blend if you’re serving kids. Want to make this one of your go-to easy recipes for dinner? Prep the veggies and meats earlier in the day and store them in the fridge so everything comes together in under 30 minutes when you’re ready to cook. For more kick, toss in some hot sauce or a diced jalapeño before simmering. Finally, a squeeze of lemon over the final dish brightens the flavors!

6) Making One Pot Jambalaya Ahead of Time

This One Pot Jambalaya is a lifesaver when meal planning for the week. The ingredients are forgiving, and the flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together. To prep ahead, cook the dish completely, then let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you prefer fresh shrimp, cook everything else and add the shrimp when you reheat the meal. This ensures the shrimp stay tender and don’t get overcooked. This dish also fits into your rotation of easy meal recipes that are perfect for meal prep. Want to save even more time? Chop all your vegetables and meats the night before and keep them portioned in containers so dinner practically makes itself the next day. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a hearty work lunch, this jambalaya is a crowd-pleaser that keeps on giving.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Jambalaya

Leftovers of this Jambalaya are a treat all over again. Store them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The rice may absorb more moisture, so when reheating, splash in a tablespoon or two of broth or water to loosen it up. If using the microwave, stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth. Planning to freeze it? Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This recipe is one of the ultimate easy recipes for dinner not just because it’s simple to cook—but because it stores and reheats like a champ. For best flavor, reheat gently on the stovetop. If you’re including shrimp in your batch, consider removing them before freezing and adding fresh ones during reheating to maintain their texture and taste.

8) Try these One Pot & Curry next!

9) One Pot Jambalaya