California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Recipe

California Pizza Kitchen’s Jambalaya brings serious energy to the table with bold Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage!

I always use fire-roasted tomatoes because they add just the right amount of smoky depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

A good jambalaya should have a balance of heat and warmth, and the key is using smoked paprika along with cayenne.

Cooking the rice separately keeps it from getting too soft, which is exactly how CPK keeps the texture just right.

If you’re using shrimp, add it at the very end so it stays juicy and doesn’t turn rubbery.

A little fresh parsley on top gives the whole dish a bright, fresh lift right before serving.

How to Make California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya 

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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)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock
• 1 tsp White Pepper
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Boil a large pot of salted water.

Cook the fettuccine until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2:

Combine white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl to make the Cajun seasoning.

Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken strips and cook until browned.

Add sausage and shrimp, and stir until shrimp becomes pink.

Step 4:

Add the red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet.

Cook the vegetables until they become tender.

Step 5:

Pour in chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Stir in the cooked fettuccine, and let everything heat through for a few minutes.

You can serve this dish for about 4 people.

Preparation takes 20 minutes, and cooking takes another 30 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Customize the Heat:

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.

Cook Shrimp Carefully:

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery and lose their delicious texture.

Fresh Ingredients Matter:

Use fresh garlic and bell pepper whenever possible, as they provide a better flavor compared to dried or canned versions.

Sauce Consistency:

If you want a thicker Cajun sauce, let the mixture simmer for a little longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Feel free to substitute linguine for fettuccine or add more vegetables like zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.

What to Serve with California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya Recipe

Piping Hot Cornbread

When you’re enjoying a spicy dish like jambalaya, the sweetness of cornbread can really balance things out perfectly.

Serving it warm with a pat of butter will really enhance the flavors and it’s so easy to make alongside your main dish.

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Steamed asparagus delivers both nutrition and a fresh taste, and a little lemon zest on top can brighten the whole meal.

I find that it adds a great texture and pairs wonderfully well with the complex flavors of jambalaya.

Fresh Garden Salad

A simple garden salad can provide a refreshing counterbalance.

Using crisp greens along with some tomatoes and cucumbers can create a light and colorful addition that complements the hearty nature of jambalaya.

Avocado and Pineapple Salsa

For something a bit more unexpected, try serving it with an avocado and pineapple salsa.

This option adds a unique twist and a burst of refreshing flavor, which can really play off the spices in jambalaya.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

If you’re feeling adventurous, roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze can add an interesting flair.

Variations and Substitutions

You can switch out the fettuccine for different pasta varieties like linguine, penne, or even spaghetti!

If you’re a fan of seafood, adding scallops or extra shrimp can give it a richer flavor.

Plant-Based Alternatives

For a plant-based option, use tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken and sausage.

You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish.

Spice Level Adjustments

Adjust the spice level by experimenting with the amounts of cayenne pepper and paprika to suit your taste.

Also, try adding some fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.

For those who prefer milder dishes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make your own unique version that you’ll love!

How to Store Leftover California Pizza Kitchen Jambalaya

You want to save that tasty jambalaya for another day, right?

Let the jambalaya cool completely before storing it, as this prevents moisture buildup.

Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right.

A good seal keeps out unwanted moisture and air.

Refrigeration Tips

Pop your airtight container into the fridge, and your jambalaya will stay good for up to three days.

For those few days, you can enjoy it whenever you’re ready without losing any taste.

This is a great way to make meal planning easier during the busy week.

Freezing Leftovers

If you made a big batch, freezing is your friend.

Use separate containers for single portions—it’ll make thawing easier later on.

Frozen jambalaya can last up to three months, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping.

Portion Control

For easy servings and reheating later, divide the jambalaya into single portions before you store it.

It helps keep meals quick and convenient, especially during hectic times.

With these storage tips, enjoy your delicious jambalaya whenever cravings hit!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pasta Overcooking

It’s easy to overcook fettuccine or linguine, and it can turn mushy before you know it!

Always cook the pasta al dente, following package instructions closely.

Drain it just before it reaches the perfect bite and it will soak up the sauce beautifully.

Ignoring Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is a distinctive blend, and getting it unbalanced can impact the whole dish.

Don’t skip the tasting step while cooking to achieve the right spice level.

Balance the cayenne and paprika carefully to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

Skipping Fresh Ingredients

Substituting fresh ingredients like bell peppers and tomatoes might seem convenient, but it changes the flavor profile.

Using fresh veggies will provide a brighter and more flavorful result for your jambalaya.

Even cooking fresh chicken, shrimp, and sausage will boost the dish’s taste wonderfully.