New Orleans Jambalaya Soup Recipe

Jambalaya is one of the most iconic dishes in New Orleans cuisine, blending Creole and Cajun flavors into a one-pot meal bursting with bold spices. While traditional jambalaya is a thick rice-based dish, jambalaya soup offers a deliciously comforting, brothy twist on the classic.

This recipe captures the essence of Louisiana cooking, featuring a rich, spicy broth packed with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, tomatoes, and rice. Whether you’re looking for a warm bowl on a cold day or a taste of New Orleans at home, this jambalaya soup recipe is sure to satisfy.

What is Jambalaya Soup?

Jambalaya soup is a lighter, more broth-based version of traditional jambalaya. Instead of cooking the rice directly in the dish, it is often added at the end or served separately to maintain a perfect texture. The soup retains the bold, smoky flavors of Creole spices while offering a more soupy consistency.

Like classic jambalaya, this dish includes the “Holy Trinity” of New Orleans cuisine-onion, bell pepper, and celery-along with spiced meats and seafood, making it a flavorful and hearty meal.

Ingredients for Jambalaya Soup

To make a perfect New Orleans-style jambalaya soup, you’ll need a combination of proteins, vegetables, and spices. Here’s a list of essential ingredients:

Protein:

✔ 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
✔ 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
✔ 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

✔ 1 onion, diced
✔ 1 green bell pepper, chopped
✔ 1 celery stalk, diced
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
✔ 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Liquids & Rice:

✔ 4 cups chicken broth
✔ 1 cup water
✔ 1 cup long-grain rice (cooked separately to avoid overcooking in the soup)

Seasonings & Spices:

✔ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✔ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
✔ 1 tsp dried thyme
✔ 1 tsp oregano
✔ 1/2 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 bay leaf
✔ 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
✔ 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

Other Ingredients:

✔ 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
✔ 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
✔ Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
4. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water. Stir well.
2. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt. Stir and bring to a simmer.
3. Return the sausage and chicken to the pot, mixing everything together.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

1. Cover and simmer the soup on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp and Finish the Soup

1. Add the shrimp to the soup and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
2. If using hot sauce, stir it in for an extra kick.
3. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Spoon cooked rice into individual bowls and ladle the hot jambalaya soup over the top.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
3. Serve with crusty French bread or cornbread on the side.

Tips for the Best Jambalaya Soup

✔ Cook the rice separately – This prevents the rice from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
✔ Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth – This allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
✔ Adjust the spice level – If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra hot sauce.
✔ Let it rest before serving – This allows the flavors to blend even better.

Variations of Jambalaya Soup

1. Seafood Jambalaya Soup

Replace the chicken and sausage with a mix of seafood like crab, crawfish, and scallops for a seafood-packed version.

2. Vegetarian Jambalaya Soup

Skip the meat and use kidney beans, black beans, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

3. Slow Cooker Jambalaya Soup

To make this in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except shrimp and rice in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add shrimp in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. Low-Carb Jambalaya Soup

Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or serve without rice for a low-carb version.

Pairing Jambalaya Soup with Drinks

No New Orleans meal is complete without the perfect drink pairing. Here are some options:

✔ Hurricane Cocktail – A sweet, rum-based drink perfect for spicy dishes.
✔ Sazerac – A classic New Orleans whiskey cocktail that complements bold flavors.
✔ Sweet Iced Tea – A refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
✔ Cold Beer – A light lager or amber ale balances the spice.

Why You Should Try Jambalaya Soup

✔ Full of bold, authentic New Orleans flavors
✔ Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
✔ A great way to enjoy jambalaya in a lighter, brothier form
✔ Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights

This New Orleans jambalaya soup recipe brings all the best parts of Creole and Cajun cooking into a warm, hearty bowl. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or looking to bring a taste of Louisiana into your home, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy your homemade jambalaya soup and savor the flavors of New Orleans!