Description
Pastalaya is a delicious Cajun dish that combines the flavors of traditional jambalaya with pasta instead of rice. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a smoky, spicy, and creamy combination of sausage, chicken, and the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery.
Ingredients
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
1 lb shrimp (optional)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Add onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings (paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using). Stir well.
Bring to a simmer, then add the pasta and return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
If using shrimp, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir until pink and cooked through.
Stir in green onions and parsley just before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a smokier flavor, use andouille sausage.
Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
If the dish is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to loosen it up.
Can be made ahead and reheated; the flavors deepen over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Pastalaya, Cajun pasta, Jambalaya pasta, One-pot meal, Spicy pasta