Description
This Quick and Tasty Pastalaya Recipe brings the bold flavors of Louisiana to your table by combining Cajun-seasoned sausage, chicken, and the Holy Trinity with tender pasta simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s hearty, smoky, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
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Proteins:
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1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
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1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, diced
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Optional: ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Vegetables:
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1 large onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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Spices:
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2 tbsp Creole seasoning
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1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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Pasta and Liquid:
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1 lb penne or rotini pasta
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4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
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Other:
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Optional: ½ cup diced tomatoes
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Optional: fresh parsley and green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
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Prep: Slice sausage, dice chicken, chop vegetables.
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Brown Meat: In a pot, heat oil. Brown sausage (3-4 min) and set aside. Repeat with chicken (5 min).
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Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper for 5-7 min. Add garlic, cook 1 min more.
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Build Flavor: Add sausage and chicken back. Stir in spices.
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Cook Pasta: Add stock and pasta. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer. Cook covered for ~15 min, stirring occasionally.
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Add Shrimp (Optional): Add shrimp during the last 2-3 min.
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Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and green onions.
Notes
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Add cream or cream cheese near the end for a creamy version.
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Use smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
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For spicier Pastalaya, double cayenne or add jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~250g or 1 full plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, jambalaya pasta, spicy pastalaya, Louisiana recipes, one-pot pastalaya