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Quick and Tasty Pastalaya

Quick and Tasty Pastalaya Recipe


  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

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

Scale
  • Proteins:

    • 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

    • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, diced

    • Optional: ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • Vegetables:

    • 1 large onion, diced

    • 1 green bell pepper, diced

    • 2 celery stalks, chopped

    • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • Spices:

    • 2 tbsp Creole seasoning

    • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

    • 1 tsp black pepper

    • Salt, to taste

  • Pasta and Liquid:

    • 1 lb penne or rotini pasta

    • 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

  • Other:

    • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

    • Optional: ½ cup diced tomatoes

    • Optional: fresh parsley and green onions, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Prep: Slice sausage, dice chicken, chop vegetables.

  • Brown Meat: In a pot, heat oil. Brown sausage (3-4 min) and set aside. Repeat with chicken (5 min).

  • Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper for 5-7 min. Add garlic, cook 1 min more.

  • Build Flavor: Add sausage and chicken back. Stir in spices.

  • Cook Pasta: Add stock and pasta. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer. Cook covered for ~15 min, stirring occasionally.

  • Add Shrimp (Optional): Add shrimp during the last 2-3 min.

 

  • Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and green onions.

Notes

  • Add cream or cream cheese near the end for a creamy version.

  • Use smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

  • 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