Description
This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a flavorful, low-carb twist on the classic Louisiana dish. Featuring smoked sausage, tender chicken, and hearty cabbage simmered in a spiced tomato broth, this one-pot meal packs a punch of Cajun spices without the heaviness of rice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Pantry & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Protein: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and diced chicken breasts. Cook, stirring occasionally, until both are browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate Spices and Tomatoes: Add the can of diced tomatoes along with Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and deepen in flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage and chicken back to the pot. Add the chopped cabbage and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the jambalaya simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the jambalaya warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for smoked sausage for a leaner option.
- This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats nicely.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if your chicken broth is salted.
