Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya [VIDEO]

Name: Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; salt; black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 green bell pepper (for 1 cup chopped); 1 onion (chopped); 2 rib celery (for 1/2 cup chopped); 1 clove garlic (minced ); 5 smoked sausages (sliced); 15 oz tomato sauce; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 Spaghetti Squash (cooked (You can also serve it on rice, pasta, or cauliflower))

Published: Sep 5, 2024 · Modified: Sep 25, 2024 by Jessica Fisher

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This recipe is a fantastic low carb jambalaya recipe. Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya is hot and spicy with a touch of sweetness from the squash, the perfect supper that tastes amazing. You can get it to the table in less than 30 minutes!

jambalaya on spaghetti squash on a white dish.

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Craving something hot and spicy for supper tonight? Don’t want a lot of fuss to make it? Looking for something tasty?

Look no further. This Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya is just the ticket!

Over the years, I’ve tested out converting some favorite flavors into low-carb recipes. Dishes like Cheesy Chicken and Peppers and Submarine Salad bring all the flavor without the extra pasta, bread, or rice.

One summer day, craving something spicy, Bryan asked me, “What if you made jambalaya with spaghetti squash?”

What if….

What if it turned out so yummy you couldn’t stop eating it and your pickiest eater went back for seconds?

True story, my friends. That’s how good this low carb Jambalaya is.

You can serve the spicy chicken and sausage jambalaya mixture over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice, but in our testing we preferred it over spaghetti squash. The spices and the sweet play super well together.

(Full disclosure: the picky eater did have his on rice.)

Why Make This Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya

It’s loaded with protein and veg. Protein and veg are two things that everyone seems to want more of in his diet. This low carb jambalaya delivers on both counts with onions, bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, spices, smoked sausage, and chicken.

It tastes amazing. While not a traditional New Orleans Jambalaya, this one pot recipe can still hold its own. With dozens of reviews, Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya is that best recipe you never thought to make. It’s so tasty!

It’s a quick fix. With smoked sausages and chicken tenders, you can prep this dish in less time than it takes to find your car keys. It’s such a quick dinner for busy nights.

Made this a couple of days ago. Oh. My. Gosh. I typically don’t rant and rave about Paleo recipes, but this was amazing. And I’m from Louisiana – I’m particular about my jambalaya….Thank you so so much for this – I will be making this AT LEAST every other week!
— Good Cheap Eats reader, Erin

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll to make this low carb jambalaya over spaghetti squash:

chicken tenders – the shape of chicken tenders make them very easy and quick to chop. You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts or even shrimp if you prefer.

salt and black pepper – Season your chicken well with salt and pepper. You’ll add more spices and creole seasoning later.

olive oil – I usually cook all my savory dishes with olive oil, but you can use whatever oil or cooking fat you prefer.

the holy trinity – green bell pepper, onions, and celery are considered must-haves in Cajun/Creole dishes.

garlic – I like to use fresh garlic, but you can use jarred if you prefer.

smoked sausages – Andouille sausage is classic, but I like to use Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage because there is no added sugar. The chicken sausage is really good in this recipe, despite their slight sweetness from the apples. The spice counteracts it in a beautiful way.

tomato sauce – Your favorite tomato sauce is all you need to sauce it up.

spices – I use paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes but you can also substitute Cajun Seasoning if you prefer.

spaghetti squash – While jambalaya is traditionally served over rice, we love to serve this over cooked spaghetti squash. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice if you like.

collage of recipes included in meal plan 10.

Get Meal Plan 10

This recipe is featured in one of our popular FREE, 3-day meal plans. Get Meal Plan 10, featuring fun pizza sandwiches, a hearty jambalaya, and moo shu chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this yummy and easy Jambalaya recipe:

chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper in bowl.

Season the chicken tenders to taste with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook just until no longer pink in the center. Remove to a cutting board.

Add the peppers, onion, celery, and garlic to the drippings in the pan and cook, stirring, for about five minutes. Add the sausage and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender and the sausages are browned.
Add the tomato sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, slice the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces. Add these back to the pan and warm in the sauce.
Adjust seasonings and serve the sauce over hot cooked spaghetti squash or other favorite base.

Serving Suggestions: I consider this a one-dish dinner, served with spaghetti squash. A green salad is a nice side dish if you want something more.

How to Make a Meal Prep: This low carb jambalaya makes a great easy lunch! Divide it into meal prep containers, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

Make a Plan for Leftovers: Leftover jambalaya is good for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you store leftovers in clear air-tight containers you’re more likely to notice them and make sure they get eaten.

Freeze Extras for Later: To freeze: chill the meat sauce completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months. Add cooked squash right before serving.

FAQs

What is usually in Jambalaya?

Jambalaya usually combines cooked rice with a mixture of cooked celery, peppers, and onions as well as chicken and sausage, tomatoes, and seasonings. This isn’t traditional Cajun jambalaya. It doesn’t have rice cooked in the liquid. I get that. Humor me. ?

What foods go well with Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is great with seasoned green beans, sautéed greens like chard or collards, corn on the cob, and cornbread. If you’re going for the low carb angle, stick with vegetable side dishes.

Can you freeze Jambalaya?

This jambalaya mixture freezes well without the spaghetti squash. Once you’ve cooked the meat sauce, divide it into meal size portions, chill, wrap, label, and freeze. To serve, simply reheat the meat sauce and serve it atop freshly cooked spaghetti squash.

How long is Jambalaya good for?

As with all prepared foods, this jambalaya is good for up to 4 days when properly refrigerated.

array of plates with spaghetti squash jambalaya on dinner table with napkins and cutlery.

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