Easy Cajun Sausage Jambalaya – Healthy Dinner

This Healthier Cajun Sausage Jambalaya has all the flavors of authentic jambalaya. It comes together easily in one pot, is gluten-free and dairy-free for a simple and healthier Cajun dinner recipe. Make this for your family in under 30 minutes!

Easy Cajun Sausage Jambalaya

Sausage Jambalaya is a great hearty dish that everyone loves. This healthier version of a classic Cajun dish is an ideal choice if you are trying to cut back on the calories but still wanting that delicious flavor.

This Healthier Cajun Sausage Jambalaya is the recipe that I came up with when I wanted an easy and healthy choice. You can add in shrimp as well or just substitute the sausage with shrimp. Feel free to swap out whatever proteins you like for this recipe. You can even add in chicken. It will all work well.  Just make sure you are using a lean protein source to keep the calories down.

The delicious flavor of the Cajun Chicken sausage compliments the spices and veggies perfectly. I used corn, which of course is not a traditional jambalaya type veggie, but when you have two small picky eaters in your house…you substitute for what you know they will enjoy. I am very happy with this recipe.

To get started, you will need a few ingredients on hand.  Make your list, check it twice, and get ready for some amazing aromas to start wafting through the house.

What is Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a Southern recipe (originating in Louisiana) that is essentially a rice dish with vegetables, cajun seasoning, and sausage.

The ingredients in this jambalaya recipe include the “trinity” of green bell pepper, onion, and celery, rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, spices, chicken, and andouille sausages.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 can Black Beans
• Cajun Chicken Sausage (4 pack, found in most grocery stores)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup chicken broth (or use 1 cup water and 1 chicken bouillon cube)
• Seasoning Mix:
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Pinch salt & pepper

Reducing the Calories

I usually grab my chicken sausage from my local butcher counter (they make the best), but you can even make your own homemade.  A sausage jambalaya recipe doesn’t mean you have to have tons of fat and calories, just tons of flavor.  

Using fat-free chicken stock adds in tons of flavor as the rice cooks, and the seasoning packets make up for any flavor you miss without the traditional sausage. You won’t even notice the change in ingredients.

Next time you want a budget-friendly and healthy dish, don’t hesitate to throw this classic Cajun sausage jambalaya on the table for dinner. You’ll love having a hearty meal ready in under half an hour and the savings in your wallet. 

Add in classic veggies, or adapt as I did for the picky eaters in your family.

Serve with some crusty bread (or my favorite roll recipe), and enjoy any time of year!

What I love about this Healthier Cajun Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

• It is what I like to call a “One Pot Wonder”. This means less mess,
• You can make it your own.  Are you vegetarian or vegan?  Leave out the meat and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• The perfect recipe for a busy weekend night.  Make it faster by using Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice.

Healthier Cajun Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

One-pot meals are all the rage lately, and it’s one trend I don’t ever see going away! And why would it? A simple dinner you can cook all in one pan, usually in less than 30 minutes? 

If you made this recipe, we would love to hear all about it. We get so excited when we learn that you have chosen to make one of our recipes featured on Inspiring Savings. Please leave us a comment below.

More Great Dinner Ideas:

Easy Weeknight Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Lentil Vegetable Soup Recipe

Stacked Double Cheeseburger with Bacon Recipe 

Eating out is easy, and it usually tastes delicious, but it’s expensive. Making this meal at home will save you money. Add this recipe to your weekly meal plan.