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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 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 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 Easy Flavorful Dinner Recipes
- Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
- Creamy Cajun Pasta
- Taco Pasta
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
If you tried this recipe for Quinoa Jambalaya, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Quinoa Jambalaya
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ cup diced smoked sausage, (about 2 ounces)
- ⅓ cup diced green pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup 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 1 cup 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 ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breastscubed), ½ cup diced smoked sausage, ⅓ cup diced green pepper, and 1 small yellow onion (minced). Saute for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and the onions are softened.
- Add the 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock, 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning, and 15 ounces diced tomatoes 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.
- Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon hot sauce and fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
Thanks Faith. My husband who hates rice, loves this version of jambalaya.
I love the idea of using quinoa instead of rice! This sounds delicious and simple to make (and clean up) - Fantastic!
Gotta love quick meals with little clean-up!
YUM! I love the flavors of jambalaya, and you made it healthier--hooray!
This dish is so flavorful you won't realize how healthy it is.
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.
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.
This is exactly my kind of dish. Nicely done!
We started subing quinoa for rice a while back, I love it too! I have never thought to make a jambalaya with it though. Love this!
You will surely love Quinoa in Jambalaya!
I swear doing the dishes is completely ruining my hands. One pot meals = less dishes = one happy momma! And I do love quinoa!
I hear you, my hands look horrific. I spend way too much time doing dishes, so meals like this are a welcome break.