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Jambalaya for Mardi Gras

★★★★★ 4.9 (8 reviews)

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this hearty and spicy dish that's perfect for any festive gathering. Packed with sausage, shrimp, and rice, it's a delicious way to bring a taste of Mardi Gras to your table.

◷35 minTotal Time

♜4Servings

▥MediumDifficulty

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Ingredients

4servings

2 tablespoons oil, divided8 ounces uncooked medium shrimp8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces4 ounces andouille sausage or kielbasa, cut into half-moon slices2 medium ribs celery, chopped2 small red and/or green bell peppers, chopped1 large clove garlic, finely chopped2 cups water1 (5.6 ounce) package Knorr® Cajun Sides™ - Red Beans & Rice

Instructions

Sear Shrimp and Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with a bit of salt and pepper if you like, then cook them for about a minute on each side until they just turn pink. They won’t be fully cooked yet, so take them out and set them aside. Next, season the chicken the same way and brown it in the same skillet, turning it so it’s golden all over—this should take around 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and keep it with the shrimp.

Brown sausage and veggies

Add the other tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then toss in the sausage. Cook it, stirring now and then, until it gets nicely browned—about 4 minutes. Throw in the celery and cook it until it looks translucent, which takes about 3 minutes. Then add the peppers and let them soften for a couple of minutes before stirring in the garlic. Cook the garlic just until you can smell its aroma, about 30 seconds.

Simmer and Combine

Pour in the water and the Knorr Cajun Sides Red Beans & Rice mix, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and lower the heat a bit. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. After that, stir the chicken and shrimp back into the pan and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the shrimp are fully cooked. Let the jambalaya sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is full of bold flavors and hearty ingredients that bring a taste of New Orleans right to your table. It's a one-pot meal that combines spices, meats, and rice for a comforting and satisfying experience. Perfect for celebrating with friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crusty French bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. A cold beer or sweet tea pairs nicely with the spicy, savory flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the rice feels dry. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.