Jambalaya Soup Recipe: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

If you love the bold flavors of Jambalaya—with its rich spices, savory sausage, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp—then you’re going to fall in love with this Jambalaya Soup! It’s everything you adore about this Creole classic, but in a comforting, easy-to-serve soup form. Whether you're craving something spicy and hearty on a cold evening or you're preparing a dish for a crowd, this Jambalaya Soup will surely be a hit.

Packed with smoky sausage, seasoned chicken, shrimp, rice, and the perfect blend of vegetables, this soup brings all the flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. Ready to spice things up? Let's dive into the recipe!

Jambalaya Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (andouille sausage is a great option)

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a little extra kick)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and releases its oils. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through, as it will continue cooking in the soup later. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside with the sausage.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Once the vegetables are softened, add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to season the broth. Toss in the bay leaves and add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Protein

Stir in the rinsed rice and return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the broth.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

Once the rice is cooked through, add the shrimp to the pot. Stir gently to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if using) for an extra layer of flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.

Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Jambalaya soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a slice of cornbread for an added touch of comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya Soup:

1. Bold, Spicy Flavor

This soup is packed with all the bold, zesty flavors of classic Jambalaya—smoky sausage, tender chicken, shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice. The Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper give it that signature kick that’ll have your taste buds dancing!

2. Hearty and Filling

The combination of rice, meat, and seafood makes this soup hearty enough to be a meal on its own. It’s perfect for when you need something filling and comforting, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend.

3. One-Pot Wonder

This recipe is a one-pot meal, meaning you don’t have to deal with a ton of dishes afterward. It’s easy to make, and cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for a weeknight or casual family dinner.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust this soup to suit your preferences. If you prefer more heat, add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce. You can swap out the shrimp for crab, or even use chicken sausage or veggie sausage for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the broth or add more rice.

5. Meal Prep-Friendly

This soup is great for meal prepping! It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, you might need to add a bit of broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

This Jambalaya Soup is already hearty and filling, but you can round out the meal with a side of garlic bread or cornbread for a true Southern feast. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a great way to balance out the richness of the soup.

For those who like an extra kick, serve it with a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on the side. If you're hosting a get-together, this soup is perfect for a crowd, so feel free to double the recipe and serve it in a large pot or slow cooker.

Final Thoughts:

If you're craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s packed with spice and Southern charm, look no further than this Jambalaya Soup. It brings the same savory goodness you love in a classic Jambalaya, but in a bowl of warm, hearty soup form. With tender meats, perfectly seasoned rice, and a little kick of heat, this soup is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends.

So grab your ingredients, get your soup pot ready, and indulge in a bowl of this flavorful, satisfying Jambalaya Soup!

Pin this recipe for later, or share it with family and friends who are always on the lookout for delicious, soul-warming meals!