Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, hearty dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender cabbage mingling with smoky sausage, juicy chicken, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all simmered in a rich, spiced tomato broth that brings warmth to your soul. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where you want to impress without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the authentic taste and delightful texture of this Cajun classic with a twist. The combination of fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and carefully chosen spices creates layers of flavor and beautiful color that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and hearty texture, plus it’s a great low-carb base.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a healthy fat for sautéing and helps develop rich flavors.
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced: Brings a smoky, savory depth that’s essential for authentic jambalaya taste.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Adds lean protein that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
• 1 onion, chopped: Offers a sweet and savory foundation when sautéed.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped: Gives freshness and a pop of color that’s important to the dish’s eye appeal.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds aromatic crunch and classic Cajun flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Powers the dish with pungent, warm notes that tie everything together.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base that balances the spices and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: The heart of the flavor, delivering that distinctive Cajun kick.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and beautiful red color.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herby undertone.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave extra heat, this amps up the spice.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Helps meld all the ingredients together in a luscious sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens every bite.

How to Make Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Chicken

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and diced chicken breasts and cook them until beautifully browned. This step is key because the caramelized bits give the dish deeper flavor and an inviting aroma. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll be back soon to soak up all the delicious juices.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5 minutes. This trio is the classic Cajun “holy trinity,” and it forms the flavorful backbone of your jambalaya.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now it’s time to add the minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant—this short burst is enough to wake up the flavors without burning the garlic’s delicate sweetness.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with your Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Cooking the spices for 2 to 3 minutes here unlocks their full potential, infusing the entire pot with a warm, robust flavor that’s essential for this dish.

Step 5: Combine Meat, Cabbage, and Broth

Return the browned sausage and chicken to the pot and add the chopped cabbage and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those incredible flavors and textures. This is where your dish really starts to come alive.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the cabbage softens, the broth thickens, and the flavors meld together into a harmonious, comforting dish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish off by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over your jambalaya for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it warm and prepare to dive into a bowl packed with Cajun soul.

How to Serve Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish that brightens the richness of the jambalaya, adding a contrast in both color and flavor. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a revival of brightness that complements the spicy depth.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a one-pot meal, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside crusty French bread or a light green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true Southern feast, cornbread or fried green tomatoes would make spectacular companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also stuff it into bell peppers or bake it under a crispy breadcrumb topping for a casserole-style variation that’s festive and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This jambalaya keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, so your leftovers can taste even better the next day—just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead for future meals, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover jambalaya gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks a bit dry. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage is traditional and adds a signature smoky flavor, you can swap in Andouille, kielbasa, or even chorizo for a unique twist. Just make sure the sausage is pre-cooked or smoked for best results.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe has mild to moderate spice depending on your use of cayenne pepper. Feel free to leave it out for a milder dish or add extra cayenne or hot sauce if you love a little more kick.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! You can replace the smoked sausage and chicken with plant-based sausage and chickpeas or extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and make sure your Cajun seasoning is free from animal-derived ingredients.

What is the best way to chop the cabbage for this recipe?

Chop the cabbage into roughly bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and has a pleasant texture—not too mushy but tender. Removing the tough core before chopping will also help keep the texture just right.

Can I use other greens instead of cabbage?

While cabbage gives this recipe its unique character, you can experiment with sturdy greens like kale or collard greens. Just keep in mind they have a different texture and flavor profile, which will alter the final dish subtly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, and this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe hits all those marks with flying colors. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cajun cuisine or venturing into it for the first time, this recipe wraps rich flavors and wholesome ingredients into one unforgettable meal. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your dinner routine into a lively celebration of taste and tradition.

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe

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4.1 from 25 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a flavorful, low-carb twist on the classic Southern dish, featuring tender cabbage, smoky sausage, and juicy chicken simmered with aromatic Cajun spices and vegetables. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a hearty, comforting one-pot meal perfect for any weeknight.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Liquids and Canned Goods

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the meats: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and diced chicken breasts, cooking until browned and cooked through, approximately 5–7 minutes. Remove the meats from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Combine spices and tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, and optional cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the spices to bloom and deepen in flavor.
5. Reintroduce meats and add cabbage: Return the browned sausage and chicken to the pot. Add the chopped cabbage and pour in the chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the jambalaya simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish, and serve warm to enjoy this hearty Cajun-inspired low-carb dish.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
• Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
• This recipe is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded further.
• If smoked sausage is unavailable, use andouille or another spicy sausage variety.
• To keep it low-carb, avoid adding rice or other starches, but you can serve with crusty bread if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun, Southern