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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
