
There’s something so comforting about a hearty meal simmering on the stove, filling your home with delicious aromas. This Easy One-Pot Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is just that dish—quick to prepare, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. Plus, it’s incredibly simple, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.
Why You’ll Love Easy One-Pot Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped: This is the star of the dish, adding a lovely crunch and sweetness.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: For that smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color): A pop of color and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides moisture and a nice tang.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The perfect base to soak up all those flavors.
- 3 cups chicken broth: For a rich and savory taste.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens with a spicy kick!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a lovely smoky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A little heat goes a long way.
- Salt to taste: Always adjust to your liking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing everything to perfection.
- 1 bay leaf: A secret ingredient for depth of flavor.
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish: A fresh touch at the end.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe
- Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to wilt.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot Cajun cabbage jambalaya!
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun substitutions and additions you can try:
- Swap the smoked sausage for shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.
- Add some heat with diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
- Throw in other veggies like corn or zucchini to enhance the dish.
- Try using quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist.
Tips for Success
To ensure your jambalaya turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t skip browning the sausage; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the liquid levels; if it gets too dry, add a splash more broth.
- If you’re prepping ahead, chop your veggies the night before to save time.
How to Store Easy One-Pot Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten jambalaya to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
FAQs
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Just swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- What can I serve with jambalaya? A fresh salad or some crusty bread goes perfectly with this dish!
- Can I make this in advance? Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Lemon Chicken or Easy Homemade Raspberry Sorbet for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow our Pinterest for more tasty inspiration!

Easy One-Pot Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to wilt.
- Step 5: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 7: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot Cajun cabbage jambalaya!






