Jambalaya with Turkey Sausage

A white bowl of colorful jambalaya made with turkey sausage, chicken, shrimp, tomatoes and green bell peppers served on rice

Jambalaya made with turkey sausage is delicious.  This dinner recipe is perfect for Mardi Gras family fun.  This meal is perfect winter comfort food.

A white bowl of colorful jambalaya made with turkey sausage, chicken, shrimp, tomatoes and green bell peppers served on rice

Jambalaya with Turkey Sausage

I know traditional Jambalaya is typically made with andouille sausage, but for some reason, I honestly don’t remember why, I started using hot seasoned turkey sausage years ago and it has stuck.  I make this recipe maybe once or twice a year, but whenever I do, I wish I made it more often.  It’s such a great winter meal.

 And, since it’s not on our regular meal plan, but rather on what I call the occasional rotational meal plan, I think we enjoy and savor it just a little big more when it is served. 

Almost always, I pull this recipe to cook it up for Mardi Gras season; although we have never personally experienced it.  Years ago this dinner recipe was part of my culture and food fun with the kids and it just became a  part of the annual routine.  

Here is my modified recipe to cook, simmer and serve…

Jambalaya with Turkey Sausage

A white bowl of colorful jambalaya made with turkey sausage, chicken, shrimp, tomatoes and green bell peppers served on rice

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of hot turkey sausage
  • 2 pounds of chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
  • 2 pounds of shrimp, frozen
  • 1 large green bell pepper
  • 1 sweet onion, medium to large
  • 32 oz. chicken broth
  • 2 - 28 oz. cans of diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon paprika 
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • Rice, cooked

Instructions

Remove the casings from the turkey sausage. Place the canola oil into a large Dutch oven or other soup pan. Spread it around to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook the sausage breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks over medium heat.

Dice the chicken into small bite size pieces. Add them to the Dutch oven with the sausage when the sausage is about half way cooked, continue to stir the meats as they cook.

Wash, remove the seeds and dice the pepper into small pieces.  

Remove the outer layer of the skin of the onion and finely chop it.  

Add the chicken broth, dice tomatoes, onions and peppers to the cooked chicken and sausage.

Add and stir in the paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, garlic powder & onion powder.  

Cover and bring the dish to a boil. Devein, remove the shell, remove the tail and wash the shrimp. Add it to the Dutch oven. Cook until the vegetables are cooked and the shrimp has fully cooked (it will turn pink).

Serve over the cooked rice.

Notes

© Jodie Fitz
 More about Making this Recipe:

Turn Up the Heat!  Want it even spicier?  Add some red pepper flakes to the broth.

Turn Down the Heat!  Use one pound of sweet sausage and one pound of hot sausage to turn down the heat a little.

The Shrimp:  I like to purchase the easy peel frozen shrimp at Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets.  It’s already deveined.  I simply thaw, squeeze the tail to remove and pull of the entire shell. I avoid deveining at all cost (lol).

Try Brown Rice: Oh the debate continues!  I say give brown rice a try and my hubby will tell you white rice is the way to go.  Make it both ways and let me know what you prefer (wink).

The Leftovers:  If this makes to much you have choices; 

  1.  Eat it as a second meal.
  2. Share with a friend.
  3. Cut the recipe in half.
  4. Make it as is, let it cool and freeze it for a future meal.  Then all you have to do is thaw, warm and serve.  However, don’t freeze with the rice.  Make fresh rice for the second serve. 

Warm Winter Dinners:  Need another warm winter dinner idea?  Like turkey sausage like I do?  Try my version of Greens and Beans (yes, it too is modified).  I make mine with fennel and leeks.  It’s so flavorful and delicious…you’re going to love it! Enjoy…

Bowl of greens and beans made with leeks and fennel served with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top and thin bread sticks on the side

Greens and Beans with Turkey Sausage Soup Link

23 Comments on “Jambalaya with Turkey Sausage”

  2. Reply

    Yum! One of my favs! Paleo friendly, and using turkey 🙂 I just posted a Paleo Turkey sausage soup how funny. You just reminded me to make Jambalaya, I will also be using turkey. Can’t wait to try this!!!
    #LOBS ♥

  3. Reply

    Hi Jodi,
    I just made some Jambalaya, it is the season. I like the turkey sausage in your recipe, that makes it a little healthier, it looks delicious! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    1. Reply

      Thank you! I don’t know why, but I only make it once or twice a year…maybe that’s why we enjoy it so much – lol!

    1. Reply

      :)! Lucky girl….I’m telling my husband that your husband makes it, maybe he’ll take the hint – lol!! Enjoy…

    1. Reply

      I was thinking we need to make it more often too, but then was thinking maybe our 1 – 2 x’s a year is why we appreciate it so much :)!

  9. Reply

    Thank you for linking up at Tasty Tuesdays! Your post has been pinned to my Recipes from Tasty Tuesday board. I can’t wait to see what you link up next week!
    Have a terrific weekend!
    Cathy
    APeekIntoMyParadise.com
    #TastyTuesdays

    1. Reply

      Although I am responding late here in a note, I did grab your button & put that right up when you first featured the recipe. THANKS again for the feature – xo

  12. Reply

    Hi Jodie!

    For the diced tomatoes you listed, does that mean 2 x 28 oz canned diced tomatoes? I am afraid it would be too watery, especially with the extra 32 oz broth.

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