Zatarain's Jambalaya 8 oz – Quick 35 Minute One Pot Dinner for Busy Weeknight Schedules
Zatarain's Jambalaya 8 oz – Quick 35 Minute One Pot Dinner for Busy Weeknight Schedules
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Trusted Zatarain's brand delivers authentic Creole flavor in minutes
- Clean ingredient profile: gluten free with no MSG, artificial flavors, or artificial colors
- Made with real vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic for visible quality
- Simple prep just by adding one pound of shrimp keeps cooking approachable
- 4-pack option offers pantry-stocking value for regular Creole-cuisine households
- Long grain rice base provides a satisfying one-bowl meal
- Smaller box size is well-suited for single-person households or a couple of meals
- Versatile base that works as a main or side dish
- Not overly spicy - 'a little spicy but not too much'
- Spice level can be adjusted with additional hot sauce to taste
- One-pot meal convenience
- Quick cook time (~35 minutes including prep)
- Can be found hard to source locally - online availability appreciated
- Fast shipping and arrives undamaged/fresh with great texture
- Good value at current price point
- Absence of MSG added is a plus for health-conscious buyers
- Broth/rice/spice balance is just right across Zatarain's product line
Perfect for
- Quick weeknight dinner with added shrimp or protein
- One-pot family meal for casual dining
- Easy way to bring Louisiana-style Creole flavor into home cooking
- Stocking the pantry with a trusted boxed meal mix
- Value-oriented multi-pack cooking for repeat meals
- Cooking for large groups of 40 with substitutions for dietary restrictions (e.g., chickpeas instead of meat)
- Thermos-style no-stove meal preparation (e.g., for camping, lunch at work)
- Use as an accompaniment to a main dish or as the main dish itself
- Pairing with Slap Ya Mama hot seasoning for extra heat
- Pairing with Tabasco sauce at the table for spice lovers
- Adding olive oil to keep rice moist
- Pairing with crusty bread and salad for a complete dinner
- Use with various proteins: kielbasa, summer sausage, hot Italian sausage, Aidell's Andouille, ham steak, chicken, shrimp
Made with Real Vegetables
We insist on good ingredients, because good ingredients make great flavor. In all our products, including our Rice Mixes, we use real vegetables, like onions and bell peppers, for a taste of The Big Easy in every bite.
Cajun-Creole Spices for Authentic Flavor
At Zatarain’s, we’ve been keeping it real since 1889. Our Rice Mixes contain no added MSG*. We use flavorful Cajun-Creole spices, such as paprika, red pepper and turmeric, to add the authentic tastes of New Orleans.
*Except those naturally occurring glutamates.
Prepared and On The Table In Less than 30 Minutes
Zatarain’s Rice Mixes are the perfect choice for busy families. They’re affordable, quick & easy to prepare and offer plenty of flavor variety. Add desired protein for a delicious one-pot meal solution that’s ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Make It Your Own
Jazz up our Rice Mixes with the addition of chopped vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes … the possibilities are endless. You can make it a complete meal by adding smoked sausage, ham, cooked chicken, cooked ground beef, shrimp or canned beans.
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice Dinner Mix
Red beans & rice is a quintessential New Orleans dish traditionally prepared on Mondays, when a long stovetop simmer gave households time to do laundry. Today, home cooks rely on Zatarain’s Red Beans & Rice Mix to prepare this classic in a fraction of the time, any day of the week.
Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix
Yellow rice, or arroz amarillo in Spanish, is a staple in Latin American cuisine. It is served as a simple side dish or, more famously, cooked with chicken and other ingredients to create arroz con pollo. Zatarain’s Yellow Rice Mix is your flavorful shortcut to quick weeknight meals.
Zatarain's Gumbo Mix
Gumbo is a rich and flavorful melting pot, just like its soulful hometown. With Zatarain’s Gumbo Mix, you can easily prepare this Big Easy classic – just add cooked chicken, smoked sausage or seafood to our mix of long grain rice in a seasoned roux with red and green bell peppers.
Product Information
Delicious traditional Creole dish Long grain rice, onions, bell peppers, garlic with paprika & red peppers Gluten free, no MSG added*, no artificial flavors, no colors from artificial sources Made with real vegetables PREP TIP: Add one pound of shrimp for an easy meal
Product Dimensions : 3.88 x 1.54 x 6.2 inches; 8.88 ounces Item model number : Z09523 UPC : 071429095236 Manufacturer : McCormick & Company, Inc. Units : 8.0 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #5,171 in Grocery & Gourmet Food Delicious traditional Creole dish Long grain rice, onions, bell peppers, garlic with paprika & red peppers Gluten free, no MSG added*, no artificial flavors, no colors from artificial sources Made with real vegetables PREP TIP: Add one pound of shrimp for an easy meal
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I get Zatarain's Jambalaya on the table on a busy weeknight?
Total cook time is about 35 minutes including prep, which makes it a realistic option for tight weeknight schedules.
Can I cook this in a thermos without a stove for dorm or office lunches?
Yes. This mix is versatile enough for thermos style no stove meal prep, which is great for camping, work lunch, or shared apartment kitchens.
Is the 8 oz box a good size for a single person or couple?
Yes. The smaller box is well suited to single person households or for a couple of meals, which helps reduce waste.
Does this work as a one pot meal so I spend less time cleaning?
Yes. It is designed as a one pot dish, so you can cook, serve, and clean up faster after a long day.
Can I use this as a base for meal prepping multiple lunches?
Yes. You can cook a batch and portion it out, then add fresh protein per serving. It is a strong base for thermos meal prep routines.
Is this a smart pantry item for college students with limited kitchen gear?
Yes. It only needs a pot, water, and your choice of protein, which fits dorm and shared apartment cooking with minimal equipment.
Will the flavor hold up if I cook it ahead for the week?
Yes. The Creole seasoning stays flavorful when reheated, and a splash of broth or olive oil when warming brings back moisture.
How does this compare to ordering takeout for a busy schedule?
It is faster to cook than waiting on delivery, costs less per serving, and lets you control the protein and ingredients for a more productive weeknight routine.
Is the 4 pack a better value for repeat weeknight cooking?
Yes. The 4 pack is positioned as a value option for households that want to keep Jambalaya on hand for regular repeat meals.
Can I keep this at my desk or in a break room as a backup meal?
Yes. It is shelf stable, so it works well as a backup option for offices, break rooms, or shared kitchens where stove access varies.
What if I have only 30 minutes between work and the next task?
The mix fits within a 30 to 40 minute window, and you can streamline by pre chopping protein while the rice starts to simmer.
Is this hard to source locally for people in small towns?
Some shoppers find it hard to find locally, so ordering online with direct shipping is a reliable way to keep it stocked.
Does the box ship well without damage or staleness?
Yes. It is a sealed, shelf stable box that ships well for direct delivery, and customers report it arriving fresh with good texture.
Can I cook this without measuring a long list of spices?
Yes. The Creole seasoning is already blended into the mix, so you do not need to measure out separate spices for an authentic flavor base.
What if I want a quick lunch I can bring to work?
Cook it in the morning, portion it into a thermos, and you have a hot, ready lunch at work without needing a kitchen on site.
Is this an efficient way to feed myself without a lot of planning?
Yes. With one box, one protein, and one pot, you can get a satisfying meal with very little planning, which suits busy routines.
How do I cook Zatarain's Jambalaya on the stovetop?
Bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, stir in the rice mix and 1 pound of your chosen protein such as shrimp, chicken, or sausage, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
Can I make this in a thermos without a stove?
Yes. You can use the thermos style method by combining the mix with hot water and your protein in a preheated thermos, sealing it, and letting it sit until the rice absorbs the liquid, which is great for camping, lunch at work, or dorm cooking.
How long does the box take to cook from start to finish?
Total time is about 35 minutes including prep and simmer, which makes it a realistic option for busy weeknights.
What proteins pair well with this Jambalaya mix?
Shrimp is the classic choice, but it also works well with kielbasa, summer sausage, hot Italian sausage, Aidell's Andouille, ham steak, chicken, and even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Is this mix compatible with hot sauce and seasoning add ins?
Yes. It is commonly paired with Slap Ya Mama hot seasoning for extra heat, Tabasco sauce at the table for spice lovers, and a drizzle of olive oil to keep the rice moist.
What is included in the box and what do I need to buy separately?
The 8 oz box contains the long grain rice and Creole seasoning blend with real vegetables. You provide water, a protein such as shrimp, and any optional add ins like olive oil, hot sauce, or sausage.
Is this product safe for people with common food sensitivities?
It is certified gluten free, contains no MSG added, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and has no dehydrated meat broth in this version, which makes it a cleaner base for many diets.
How long can I store the box in my pantry?
The mix is shelf stable, so it can be stored in a cool, dry pantry as a reliable backup meal for everyday cooking or emergency use.
What is the difference between Jambalaya mix and plain rice with Creole seasoning?
Jambalaya mix combines the long grain rice and the full Creole seasoning profile with real vegetables in one box, while plain rice plus separate seasoning requires you to measure, balance flavors, and buy vegetables on your own.
