Made with protein-rich quinoa, chicken, smoked sausage, and Cajun Seasoning, Quinoa Jambalaya is an easy one-pot dinner recipe that is ready in under 30 minutes.
There is something about one-pot meals.
Maybe because it means fewer dishes. Or maybe it is because it is easy. And who doesn't love easy on busy weeknights?
Either way, I am sure you all need more Healthy 30-Minute Meals and that is why I know you will love this simple version of jambalaya.
Instead of being made with rice, as my recipe Instant Pot Jambalaya, this recipe is made with quinoa, adding an extra boost of protein and a really nice texture. And it is just delicious.
Notes on Ingredients
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs that have been cubed into bite-size pieces.
- Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium store-bought or homemade chicken stock or Instant Pot Chicken Stock.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are traditional in Jambalaya, but feel free to use tomato sauce if you don't care for the texture of diced tomatoes.
- Smoked Sausage: Use any type of smoked sausage, andouille, or kielbasa you like. I love using an all-natural beef or chicken smoked sausage made without MSG or gluten.
- Quinoa: Use tri-colored or white quinoa and be sure to rinse it really well before adding to the dish to remove any bitter flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade cajun seasoning adds the best flavor to this simple dish.
How to Make Quinoa Jambalaya
- Heat a bit of oil in a large stock pan over medium-high heat.
- Once heated, add the onions, peppers, sausage, and chicken to the oil and saute until the chicken is seared and the peppers and onions are softened.
- Stir in rinsed quinoa, chicken stock, garlic, cajun seasoning, and tomatoes, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Remove from the heat, and fluff with a fork.
- Season with hot sauce as desired and dinner is done.
More One-Pot Dinner Recipes
If you tried this recipe for Quinoa Jambalaya, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Quinoa Jambalaya
Quinoa Jambalaya is a 30-minute one-pot dish that is full of incredible flavor! This jambalaya is packed with protein and packs a hefty punch of spice.
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Servings: 6
Calories: 197kcal
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
- ½ cup diced smoked sausage (about 2 ounces)
- â…“ cup diced green pepper
- 1 small onion minced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under running water for 2 minutes until the water runs clear. Set to the side.
- In a heavy bottom skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add in the chicken, sausage, peppers, and onions. Saute for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and the onions are softened.
- Add the stock, quinoa, garlic, tomatoes, and cajun seasoning to the pan and stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Allow to cook for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is puffed up and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce and serve.
Notes
Chicken: Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts or omit the chicken and add in additional sausage.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 695mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1.5mg
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George Hauck
What size can of diced tomatoes?
Kristen Chidsey
15 ounces 🙂
Eva
Is the minced garlic dried or fresh?
We really like this recipe but every time we make it the fresh vs. dried question makes me pause and guess. Thanks in advance for answering. And thanks for the recipe. It’s becoming a family favorite.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Eva! I am so glad you and your family love this recipe. I use fresh (or refrigerated) minced garlic. And just an FYI (for my recipes) I say garlic powder when I am using dried--hope that helps 🙂
Shan Cox
We are fixing this tonight! I didn't have bell pepper, so we subbed green chilis- I'm so excited about dinner!
Kristen Chidsey
YEA!!! I hope you love this. And the green chilis sound like a great addition!
Shan Cox
It was delish! My husband and I both loved it and we are so glad there are leftovers!! Thanks for the recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh this makes me so happy!!
Megan
Does the recipe really only call for 1/2 cup of quinoa? It sounds like it would be a lot of liquid for only 1/2 cup, I just want to make sure I get the recipe right for our first attempt ???? thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Hey Megan! This does seem like not enough quinoa, but because of all the other ingredients--it is all you need. If you like your Jambalaya really thick you could add 3/4 cup quinoa. Or you could cook as directed and if too liquidy for your taste, add in 1/4 cup quinoa and simmer until tender at the end--it won't hurt a thing just take a bit longer.
Kristen
I love jambalaya. This quinoa variation sounds wonderful....especially made with real food!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks. Real is always better:-)
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa
I absolute LOVE that you used quinoa as the base of this instead of rice. Totally going to give it a try!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks. This is such a great dish.
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
What a cute story about Paula! I love the flavors going on in Jambalya, but normally I'm not a big rice eater - I would go crazy over your version with quinoa though! Genius.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Faith. My husband who hates rice, loves this version of jambalaya.
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo
I love the idea of using quinoa instead of rice! This sounds delicious and simple to make (and clean up) - Fantastic!
Kristen Chidsey
Gotta love quick meals with little clean-up!
DessertForTwo
YUM! I love the flavors of jambalaya, and you made it healthier--hooray!
Kristen Chidsey
This dish is so flavorful you won't realize how healthy it is.
Heather | girlichef
Ha! That is a story for the ages...I can't believe she didn't notice. How nice of you to want to spare her feelings (I probably would've just told her about my dietary restrictions). I love this version of jambalaya - quinoa is such an awesome twist, too.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Heather! It was quite a moment and normally I have no problem telling people my restrictions, I just felt like it would crush her in that moment.