Here’s How To Make Jambalaya Weight Watchers Friendly

This lightened-up Jambalaya brings all the smoky, spicy goodness of the classic Cajun dish without sacrificing flavor. Loaded with lean chicken, sausage, shrimp, and veggies, it’s a hearty, one-pot meal coming in at just 2 WW Points per serving.

By reducing the amount of rice and swapping traditional Andouille sausage for lean smoked turkey sausage, we’ve kept the flavors bold but the points low. Check out our other Weight Watchers dinner recipes for more delicious meal prep inspiration!

Why Should You Try Jambalaya?

There are countless reasons to love Jambalaya, but here are four that stand out:

1. A Complete Meal in One Pot: Jambalaya is the perfect one-pot dish, combining protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in every bite. The result is a meal that feels complete, with no need for extra sides.
2. Packed with Flavor: The Cajun and Creole spices, combined with smoky sausage and a touch of heat from cayenne or chili, make this dish a flavor-packed powerhouse. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it as mild or bold as you prefer.
3. Perfect for Gatherings: Jambalaya is a fantastic dish for sharing. Whether it’s a casual Sunday dinner or a celebration, this recipe creates enough to feed a crowd while keeping everyone impressed with its rich flavors.
4. Adaptable and Weight Watchers-Friendly: While traditional jambalaya might be higher in points due to the sausage and rice, using lean proteins and a reduced amount of rice makes it much more manageable. Plus, the majority of the dish is packed with zero-point ingredients like vegetables, which is always a bonus.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 

Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups (375 ml)

2 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Ingredients

• 1 cup smoked turkey sausage, sliced (150 g)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (150 g)
• 3 celery stalks, diced (120 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (150 g)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (150 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small chili pepper, such as ají chirel, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 large chicken breast, cubed (200 g)
• 3 medium tomatoes, grated (300 g)
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed (200 g)
• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth (1 liter)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (200 g)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage slices and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. 
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the onion, celery, bell peppers, garlic, and chili pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Add Chicken: Stir in the cubed chicken breast. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add the grated tomatoes, bay leaf, allspice, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes to release the flavors.
5. Add the Rice and Broth: Pour in the rinsed rice and chicken or seafood broth. Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged. Return the sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Shrimp: After 25 minutes, gently stir in the shrimp. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked, and the rice is tender.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the Jambalaya and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Jambalaya is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:

1. Swap the Rice: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, substitute some or all of the rice with cauliflower rice. You’ll keep the dish lighter while still enjoying its hearty texture.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: Traditional jambalaya leans heavily on spice, but you can tone it down or dial it up depending on your preference. Cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce can add heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
3. Try Different Proteins: While this recipe uses turkey sausage, shrimp and chicken, you can experiment with other options like crawfish, or even lean pork. 
4. Add More Veggies: To boost the nutritional value, consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini, broccoli florets, or even okra. These additions won’t increase points but will make the dish even heartier.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Jambalaya

1. Cook Shrimp Separately: Many recipes include shrimp in the early stages, but this often leads to overcooked, rubbery shrimp. Instead, cook the shrimp separately and stir them in at the very end for perfectly tender results.
2. Use Homemade Stock: For a more flavorful base, use homemade shrimp stock or a high-quality store-bought broth. A quick shrimp stock made from shells will elevate the dish significantly.
3. Rinse Your Rice: Before adding rice to the pot, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps prevent the dish from becoming overly sticky and ensures the grains cook evenly.
4. Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for lean turkey sausage or chicken sausage to cut down on points while still getting that smoky, savory flavor essential to jambalaya.
5. Let It Rest: Once the Jambalaya is done cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.