Cajun Pastalaya Recipe

Cajun cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, deeply rooted in the rich history and cultural heritage of Louisiana. Known for its bold and spicy characteristics, Cajun food often brings together a medley of ingredients that create delightful and hearty dishes. If you're looking to explore the depths of this culinary tradition, the Spicy Cajun Pastalaya Delight is a perfect gateway. This dish combines the comforting elements of pasta with the robust flavors typical of Cajun cooking, resulting in a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Discover the vibrant world of Cajun cuisine with Spicy Cajun Pastalaya Delight! This one-pot meal combines smoked sausage, tender chicken, and the holy trinity of vegetables for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare, catering to cooks of all levels. Dive into the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana and bring a touch of spice and comfort to your table with this exquisite recipe. Enjoy a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or Kielbasa)

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 large onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)

2 stalks celery, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

4 cups chicken broth

1 lb penne pasta

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp paprika

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

1 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional: hot sauce for added spice

Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Chicken: Incorporate the diced chicken breast into the pot, cooking until it is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, bay leaf, diced tomatoes (with juices), browned sausage, and chicken broth. Mix well.

Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired. If you like an extra kick, add hot sauce to taste.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve the Pastalaya hot, garnished with bright slices of green onions and fresh chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8