Description
Pastalaya is a delightful fusion of two beloved Southern dishes—Jambalaya and pasta. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, Pastalaya replaces rice with pasta to create a unique dish that brings together the best of Creole flavors with the hearty texture of noodles. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a tailgate, or simply a comforting dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to please.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the story behind Pastalaya, share a detailed step-by-step recipe, provide tips for variations to suit your preference, and much more. Let’s dive into the world of this pasta-based Creole masterpiece!
Ingredients
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- 1 pound of smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
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- 1 pound of chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
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- 1 cup diced onion
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- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
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- 1 cup diced celery
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- 4 cloves garlic, minced
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- 3 cups chicken broth
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- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
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- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
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- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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- Salt and black pepper, to taste
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- 1 pound of pasta (penne or rotini work well)
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- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
Begin by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will continue cooking later. This initial browning step is crucial—it helps build the flavor foundation for the dish by creating those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan.
For extra juicy chicken, you may consider brining the chicken before cooking it. This brining step helps enhance the flavor of your chicken, making it even more tender and succulent.
Once the chicken is browned, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery—the holy trinity. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
The holy trinity of vegetables is key to achieving that authentic Cajun flavor. The combination of these ingredients forms the heart of the dish, providing an aromatic foundation that is deeply rooted in the history of Southern cooking. If you’re interested in experimenting with these classic ingredients, you might also explore our Cheesy Potatoes Recipe, where bell peppers and onions also make an appearance for a twist on comfort food.
Return the browned sausage to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step is vital as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The use of chicken broth, tomatoes, and spices creates a hearty, savory base that’s essential for a well-balanced Pastalaya.
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
It’s crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce later. If you’re looking for more pasta-based recipes to expand your repertoire, consider trying The Ultimate Spicy Rigatoni Recipe, which also packs a punch with rich flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage, chicken, and vegetables. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce, and all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the mixture cook together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the pasta.
This final step is where the magic happens. By allowing everything to sit together over heat, the pasta absorbs all the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors of the sausage, chicken, and vegetables, making every bite absolutely packed with flavor.
If you’re adding shrimp, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until they turn pink and are fully cooked. For a creamy version, stir in the heavy cream just before serving. The cream adds a rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg