Description
Pastalaya is a flavorful Cajun-inspired pasta dish combining smoked sausage, Creole seasonings, and tender pasta, all simmered to perfection for a hearty and spicy meal reminiscent of traditional jambalaya but with a pasta twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat & Oils
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb. smoked sausage (preferably Andouille)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 10oz. bag frozen “seasoning mix” (onion, bell pepper, celery)
- 1/2 Tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- Freshly cracked pepper
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- 1/2 bunch green onions
Canned & Broth
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 2 Tbsp half and half or cream
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, then cut larger pieces in half. Add the sausage and vegetable oil to a large pot and cook over medium heat until well browned, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Mince two cloves of garlic and add to the pot. Sauté for one minute until fragrant and soft.
- Add Seasoning Mix: Add the frozen seasoning mix and sauté until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes & Spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices, then stir in Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, and freshly cracked pepper.
- Add Pasta & Liquids: Add the pasta, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer: Cover with a lid, turn heat to medium-high to bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir briefly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish & Serve: While simmering, chop parsley and slice green onions. Turn off heat, stir in cream or half & half, and most of the parsley and onions. Serve hot, garnished with remaining herbs.
Notes
- For a fresher flavor, substitute the frozen seasoning mix with diced onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Adjust the Creole seasoning to taste; if homemade, consider balancing salt accordingly.
- Ensure the pasta is al dente to prevent overcooking during simmering.
- For added spice, include a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 715 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
