Easy Jambalaya Soup Recipe for a Flavorful Meal

If you love bold, spicy flavors and comforting, hearty soups, then this Easy Jambalaya Soup is perfect for you! Inspired by classic Louisiana jambalaya, this soup takes all the rich flavors of the traditional dish and transforms them into a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
Packed with smoky sausage, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a blend of Cajun spices, this soup is spicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to make in just one pot and ready in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya Soup
✔ Big, bold flavors – Spicy, smoky, and packed with Cajun goodness.
✔ One-pot wonder – Easy cleanup and perfect for busy nights.
✔ Hearty & filling – Loaded with protein, veggies, and rice.
✔ Customizable – Make it as spicy or mild as you like.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
The Best Easy Jambalaya Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Jambalaya Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage & Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables & Spices
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and black pepper.
- Cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Return the sausage to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, and cover.
- Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
- Once the rice is tender, stir in the shrimp and hot sauce (if using).
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Fun Variations to Try
1. Seafood Jambalaya Soup
🦐 Swap the chicken for extra shrimp, crab, or crawfish for a seafood twist.
2. Extra Spicy Jambalaya Soup
🌶 Add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or extra hot sauce for a fiery kick.
3. Low-Carb Jambalaya Soup
🥦 Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it low-carb.
4. Vegetarian Jambalaya Soup
🌱 Skip the meat and add kidney beans, black beans, or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.
5. Slow Cooker Jambalaya Soup
⏳ Toss everything except the shrimp into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the shrimp in the last 30 minutes.
Tips for the Best Jambalaya Soup
✔ Use quality andouille sausage – It adds an authentic smoky flavor.
✔ Adjust the spice level – Cajun seasoning and hot sauce can be added to taste.
✔ Stir occasionally – Prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
✔ Let it rest before serving – The flavors deepen as the soup sits.
What to Serve with Jambalaya Soup
🥖 Crusty French bread – Perfect for soaking up the broth.
🥗 Simple side salad – Balances out the spice.
🍚 Extra cooked rice – For an even heartier meal.
🌽 Cornbread – A delicious Southern-style pairing.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove, adding extra broth if needed, as the rice will absorb liquid over time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Jambalaya Soup is bold, flavorful, and packed with classic Louisiana spices. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Will you be trying this Cajun-inspired soup? Let me know in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍲🔥✨