This Classic Cajun Jambalaya delivers the bold, comforting flavors of the American South—smoky and spicy, with chicken, shrimp, and zesty Andouille sausage. A true bowl of Southern comfort.

Christmas has come and gone, and after a season of sweets I’m craving something savory and warming. With cold weather settling in here in Kentucky, I wanted a hearty, rib-sticking meal. My husband Don suggested the perfect solution: jambalaya. Normally I handle the cooking, but jambalaya is his specialty—so I happily left this one to him.

If you haven’t tried jambalaya, it’s worth exploring. There are two main styles: Creole and Cajun. Both are delicious, but they differ in ingredients and technique. Creole jambalaya, often associated with New Orleans, typically includes tomatoes and uses a milder spice profile. Vegetables and meats cook together with tomatoes, broth, and rice, giving the finished dish a reddish tint—hence its nickname “red” jambalaya.