Creole Jambalaya Recipe (With Tomatoes & Classic New Orleans Flavor)
Craving a New Orleans classic with big flavor, bold color, and that signature Southern soul? This Creole jambalaya recipe is a true staple of urban Louisiana cuisine. Packed with smoked sausage, chicken, shrimp, and a rich tomato base, it’s a warm, colorful one-pot meal that tastes just like the French Quarter.
If you’ve ever had “red jambalaya” at Mardi Gras or a jazz brunch, this is it. Unlike Cajun jambalaya, the Creole version includes tomatoes, giving the dish its vibrant red hue and slightly sweet-savory balance.
🥘 What is Creole Jambalaya?
Creole jambalaya (often called “red jambalaya”) originated in New Orleans, where Spanish, French, and Caribbean influences mix. What makes it unique is the addition of diced tomatoes and often a more seafood-friendly flavor.
It’s different from Cajun jambalaya, which skips tomatoes and has a browner, smokier look and taste. Want to compare styles?
👉 Try the Cajun Jambalaya Recipe
👉 Or go broad with the Main Jambalaya Recipe (Hybrid Base)
🧾 Ingredients for Creole Jambalaya
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Andouille sausage | 1 lb, sliced |
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1 lb, cubed |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Bell pepper (red or green) | 1, chopped |
| Celery | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 ½ cups |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Cajun or Creole seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Optional: shrimp | ½ lb, peeled |
| Green onions & parsley | For garnish |
👨🍳 How to Make Creole Jambalaya
Step 1: Brown the Meats
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil. Brown sausage slices and remove. Add chicken, season, and cook until lightly golden. Set aside with sausage.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in diced tomatoes, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to build flavor.
Step 4: Add Rice & Broth
Mix in rice and broth. Return sausage and chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes. Stir once or twice during cooking.
Step 6: Add Shrimp (Optional)
If using shrimp, add in the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir gently until pink and cooked through.
Step 7: Fluff & Serve
Turn off the heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
⏲️ Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6–8
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Creole Jambalaya
- One pot. Easy to clean up.
- Balanced flavor. Savory with just a touch of sweet from the tomatoes.
- Seafood-friendly. Works great with shrimp or crawfish.
- Classic New Orleans. Feels like a Mardi Gras party in your kitchen.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or reheat in a skillet on low heat.
🛠️ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
🧂 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~445 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQs about Creole Jambalaya
Final Thoughts
Creole jambalaya is comfort food with soul—hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a gathering, or just to warm up on a rainy night, this dish brings the taste of New Orleans straight to your table.
Want to explore other versions?
👉 Cajun Jambalaya Recipe (No Tomatoes)
👉 Easy Jambalaya Recipe (Pillar Guide)
