Get ready for a flavor-packed fusion that’s sure to wow your taste buds! This Jambalaya Alfredo blends the rich, creamy indulgence of classic Alfredo sauce with the bold, spicy kick of traditional jambalaya. Imagine tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant veggies all swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta — a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, you’re going to love this unexpected twist that brings two favorites together in one glorious plate!
Whether it’s a special dinner or a fun weekend treat, this jambalaya-inspired Alfredo will impress everyone at your table with its creamy texture and hearty, spicy flavors. Ready to whip up this delicious mashup? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Jambalaya Alfredo
Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:
Bold and Creamy
Combines the creamy richness of Alfredo with the vibrant spices of jambalaya.
Loaded with Protein
Shrimp, sausage, and sometimes chicken for a filling meal.
Veggie-Packed
Bell peppers, onions, and celery add freshness and crunch.
Easy to Make
Simple steps that come together quickly for a comforting dinner.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or date night.
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Ingredients in Jambalaya Alfredo
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Shrimp
Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined for quick cooking.
Andouille Sausage
Smoky, spicy sausage that brings authentic jambalaya flavor.
Bell Peppers, Onion, and Celery
The classic “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, sautéed until tender.
Garlic
Adds aromatic depth and warmth.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese
The base for that silky, cheesy Alfredo sauce.
Cajun Seasoning
For that signature jambalaya spice kick.
Pasta
Fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta to soak up all the sauce.
Olive Oil or Butter
For sautéing and building layers of flavor.
Salt and Pepper
To taste, balancing all the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s bring this creamy, spicy dish to life:
Cook Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Sausage and Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat oil or butter, cook sausage slices until browned. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove both and set aside.
Cook Veggies
In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Make Alfredo Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning until sauce is smooth and thickened.
Combine Everything
Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce.
Season and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prep ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook pasta and sauce]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Jambalaya Alfredo
Pair this rich dish with:
Simple Green Salad
Light, crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette balance the creamy sauce.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli or green beans add a healthy touch and color.
Spicy Red Pepper Flakes
For those who want an extra kick at the table.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Seafood
Fresh shrimp and good-quality sausage elevate the dish.
Adjust Spice Levels
Add more or less Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
Add More Veggies
Try adding diced tomatoes or okra for a more traditional jambalaya feel.
Make It Ahead
Prep veggies and sausage in advance to speed up cooking.
Leftover Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
A1: Definitely! Diced chicken breast works beautifully in this dish.
Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
A3: Swap sausage and shrimp for sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A4: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep sauce creamy.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the components separately for up to 1 month.
Q6: What cheese works best?
A6: Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago also work well.
Q7: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A7: Yes, a splash of white wine adds extra depth—add it before the cream.
Q8: What’s the best pasta shape?
A8: Fettuccine or penne hold the sauce well, but use your favorite!
Q9: Can I make it spicy?
A9: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat.
Q10: What cookware is best?
A10: A large skillet or sauté pan with good heat distribution works best.
Conclusion
This Jambalaya Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting dish that combines the best of two worlds. Perfect for when you want something cozy but exciting, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. Give it a try, and get ready for your new favorite pasta dinner!
Print
Jambalaya Alfredo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy fusion dish combining the rich flavors of classic jambalaya with smooth Alfredo sauce, featuring shrimp, sausage, chicken, and pasta for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove meat from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 175mg