Imagine creating a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly delicious and wallet-friendly, all using ingredients you can grab from Dollar Tree! This Creamy Jambalaya Pasta is about to become your new obsession - a perfect fusion of Creole flavors and creamy comfort that will transport your taste buds straight to New Orleans, without breaking the bank. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef looking for a quick and exciting meal, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 cup sausage, sliced
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sliced sausage until it begins to brown and release its oils, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté with the sausage until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
- Add peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy Jambalaya sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Enjoy your budget-friendly Creamy Jambalaya Pasta!
Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should turn pink and look slightly curled - this ensures they remain tender and juicy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and to prevent burning the ingredients.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider toasting your Cajun seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- If you want a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hot Cajun seasoning blend.
- Make sure to salt your pasta water generously - this is your first chance to build flavor in the dish.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- For a more authentic Jambalaya feel, you could add some diced bell peppers along with the onions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 180mg
