Cajun Pastalaya Recipe On Allrecipes

Why You’ll Love Cajun Pastalaya

• Cajun Comfort Food: Pastalaya captures the essence of classic jambalaya but adds a hearty pasta twist.
• One-Pot Wonder: It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that minimizes cleanup and cooks in just one pot.
• Packed with Flavor: Loaded with Cajun seasoning, sausage, chicken, and shrimp, this dish is a flavor explosion.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Pastalaya makes enough to serve a crowd, making it great for parties, gatherings, or leftovers.

Ingredients for Cajun Pastalaya

To make a delicious Cajun Pastalaya, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 lb pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Cajun Pastalaya

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful Cajun Pastalaya dish that will delight your taste buds:

1. Cook the Sausage and Chicken

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. Add the chicken to the same pan, season with Cajun seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside with the sausage.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and stir to coat. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook in the broth mixture for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Shrimp, Sausage, and Chicken

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shrimp, sausage, and chicken. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

6. Stir in the Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Season and Garnish

Taste the pastalaya and season with additional salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and green onions for a fresh, bright finish.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Cajun Pastalaya hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy flavors with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Making the Best Cajun Pastalaya

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, or opt for a milder sausage. For a spicier version, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use Any Pasta: While penne and fettuccine are popular choices, you can use any pasta you have on hand, including rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
• Customize the Protein: Swap out the shrimp, sausage, or chicken for your favorite proteins, such as ground beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, to make the dish even heartier.

Nutritional Benefits of Cajun Pastalaya

Cajun Pastalaya is not only rich in flavor but also provides various nutrients:

• Protein: Chicken, sausage, and shrimp provide a great source of lean protein, helping to build and repair tissues.
• Vitamins: Bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, essential for immune support and healthy skin.
• Carbohydrates: Pasta is a source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy.
• Healthy Fats: The olive oil and cream add a dose of healthy fats, essential for brain function and cell structure.

Customization Ideas for Cajun Pastalaya

One of the best parts about this Cajun Pastalaya Recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it in several ways to suit your taste:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken and sausage for mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Seafood Twist: Add crawfish tails or crab meat for a seafood-loaded pastalaya.
• Extra Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy version of pastalaya.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the flavor intact.

Storing and Reheating Cajun Pastalaya

Cajun Pastalaya makes excellent leftovers and is easy to store for later meals:

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat pastalaya on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Serving Suggestions

While Cajun Pastalaya is a hearty dish on its own, you can elevate your meal with a few side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make excellent sides.

A Must-Try Cajun Pastalaya Recipe for Any Occasion

Whether you’re a fan of classic jambalaya or just love flavorful pasta dishes, this Cajun Pastalaya Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its perfect blend of spicy Cajun flavors, tender chicken, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp, this one-pot dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. Plus, it’s easy to customize and makes for delicious leftovers.