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California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

This jambalaya pasta from CPK has everything—spice, smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and a creamy sauce that binds it all together!

Here are my fave tips for getting this just right:

I always go for a well-balanced Cajun seasoning. Check the ingredients for too much salt.

The sauce should be smooth and slightly thick but not overly heavy. A mix of crushed tomatoes, cream, and just the right amount of seasoning gives it a bold but not overwhelming kick.

Pasta choice matters. A sturdy noodle like penne holds onto the sauce well!

Tossing the cooked pasta straight into the pan lets it soak up all that flavor. Letting it sit for a couple of minutes before serving makes it even better!

How to Make California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Pasta

california pizza kitchen jambalaya pasta recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. Fettuccine
  • 1 lb. Chicken Breast (cut into strips)
  • 1/2 lb. Andouille Sausage (sliced)
  • 1/2 lb. Shrimp (peeled)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (sliced)
  • 1/2 Onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes (15 oz.)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup White Wine
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp Parsley (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by marinating the chicken strips in a mixture of salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil for about 20 minutes.

Step 2:

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm two tablespoons of olive oil.

Add the marinated chicken, sausage, and shrimp, cooking until the chicken is browned and the shrimp are pink.

Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4:

Using the same skillet, add red bell pepper, onion, and garlic, stir-frying for 5 minutes until tender.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, and spices.

Let simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.

Step 5:

Return cooked chicken, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet, and mix everything together.

Toss with the cooked fettuccine and garnish with parsley.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

california pizza kitchen jambalaya pasta on a plate

Choose Fresh Ingredients

Fresh chicken and seafood enhance the flavors significantly, making the dish taste more authentic and rich.

Adjust the Spice Level

Feel free to modify the cayenne pepper to your liking.

Add more if you prefer a little extra kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Ensure the pasta is al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce and meats later.

Careful timing makes a huge difference here.

Sauté Vegetables with Care

Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain a nice crunch that complements the juicy meats perfectly.

Watch them closely during the sautéing process.

Let the Sauce Thicken

Letting the sauce simmer a bit longer helps it to thicken, allowing it to coat the pasta and ingredients beautifully.

This step is crucial for a full-bodied sauce.

What to Serve with California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

Crusty French Bread

You might want to have some crusty French bread on the side to soak up the flavorful sauce from the jambalaya pasta.

The bread adds a perfect crunchy texture that is absolutely satisfying!

Fresh Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with jambalaya pasta.

It provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the pasta.

Grilled Vegetables

Having a side of grilled vegetables can be a wonderful addition.

The smoky flavors from grilling complement the bold flavors in the pasta beautifully.

Mango Salsa

Serve some mango salsa besides your jambalaya for an exciting twist.

The sweetness and slight tanginess of the mango salsa offer a unique and delicious contrast.

Sweet Potato Fries

Consider adding sweet potato fries as a side dish.

The sweetness of the fries adds a new and interesting flavor element to your meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Pair the pasta with garlic butter shrimp for extra protein and a wonderful garlic kick.

The shrimp can be served on the side or even mixed in with the pasta!

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

One of the great things about jambalaya pasta is its versatility, especially in terms of protein.

If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to swap it out with shrimp or even a mix of both!

You could even try using sausage to give it a bit more of a classic jambalaya feel.

Pasta Choices

The type of pasta you use can definitely change up the dish.

Although fettuccine works wonderfully, you might prefer linguine or penne for a heartier texture.

No matter which you choose, just make sure it’s cooked to the perfect al dente!

Spice Level

Adjusting the spice level to suit your taste is crucial for enjoying this dish.

If you want a little extra heat, don’t hesitate to add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

For a milder version, try using sweet bell peppers instead of the traditional green ones.

How to Store Leftover California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

Storing leftover jambalaya pasta is simple and keeps it fresh for future meals!

First, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into a storage container.

You can use an airtight container to help maintain its flavor and texture, preventing it from drying out.

Use Refrigeration

Place the airtight container with your jambalaya pasta in the refrigerator.

It usually stays good for about three to four days.

Make sure to label it with the date, so you know when it was stored.

Freezing for Longer Storage

To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the jambalaya pasta.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.

It can last in the freezer for up to two months, maintaining its deliciousness.

Portion Before Storing

Consider portioning out your jambalaya into individual servings.

This way, you can grab just what you need without thawing or reheating everything.

Using smaller containers or freezer bags makes this even handier!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta

When making jambalaya pasta, it’s easy to overcook the pasta.

You want it to be al dente, which means firm to the bite.

Always check the cooking time on the package and adjust based on whether you are using fresh or dry pasta.

Skipping the Marinade

It might be tempting to speed things up, but skipping the marinade for the chicken is a big no-no.

The marinade is crucial for adding depth and flavor to your chicken.

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour for the best results.

Adding Too Much Liquid

Adding too much liquid can make the sauce watery.

Be mindful of your liquid measurements for the sauce.

If you notice it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.

california pizza kitchen jambalaya pasta recipe

California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

This jambalaya pasta from CPK has everything—spice, smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and a creamy sauce that binds it all together!
Here are my fave tips for getting this just right:
I always go for a well-balanced Cajun seasoning. Check the ingredients for too much salt.
The sauce should be smooth and slightly thick but not overly heavy. A mix of crushed tomatoes, cream, and just the right amount of seasoning gives it a bold but not overwhelming kick.
Pasta choice matters. A sturdy noodle like penne holds onto the sauce well!
Tossing the cooked pasta straight into the pan lets it soak up all that flavor. Letting it sit for a couple of minutes before serving makes it even better!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 8 oz. Fettuccine
  • 1 lb. Chicken Breast cut into strips
  • 1/2 lb. Andouille Sausage sliced
  • 1/2 lb. Shrimp peeled
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper sliced
  • 1/2 Onion sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes 15 oz.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup White Wine
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp Parsley chopped
Instructions
 
  • Start by marinating the chicken strips in a mixture of salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil for about 20 minutes.
  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm two tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Add the marinated chicken, sausage, and shrimp, cooking until the chicken is browned and the shrimp are pink.
  • Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • Using the same skillet, add red bell pepper, onion, and garlic, stir-frying for 5 minutes until tender.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, and spices.
  • Let simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  • Return cooked chicken, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet, and mix everything together.
  • Toss with the cooked fettuccine and garnish with parsley.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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