Cajun Pastalaya
This Cajun pastalaya recipe is the most delicious meal for a party. If you’re trying to feed a crowd, this is recipe for you! Party, tailgate, whatever the occasion. So, pastalaya is basically just jambalaya with pasta noodles in place of rice. Don’t let all these ingredients fool you, it’s actually a really simple recipe packed with tons of great flavor. Keep reading to see how I made this Louisiana Saturday night favorite.
Pastalaya Cooking 101
What is Pastalaya?
Pastalaya is made just like jambalaya. However, you use pasta noodles in place of rice. Just like any traditional Louisiana recipe, you’ll start with a base of the Holy Trinity (onion, bell pepper, and celery) and build upon that.
Chicken and Sausage
I like to use simple chicken and sausage as my protein. I use a rotisserie chicken mainly because it’s easy and too they are packed full of flavor. For my sausage, I use a smoked sausage. I don’t like to use a lot of andouille. The reason why is feel like it add a lot of grease to the dish. Again, that’s just me. Use whatever your preference on sausage. Just use plenty of it!
Equipment You’ll Need
The main thing that you’ll need is a very large pot or Dutch oven. At least one that holds 9 quarts. I used my Granny’s old Magnalite. I found and linked a similar one on here. It works perfect for dishes such as these. Among your other items is a good kitchen knife and a cutting board, maybe some measuring cups and a spoon. That’s really about it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sausage & Rotisserie Chicken:
Like I said before, I like using a rotisserie chicken and smoked sausage. I like to use sausages that don’t have a ton of fat and grease in them. I just feel like it floats to the top of the dish. Anyway. I like using a rotisserie chicken because it’s easy. It’s also the perfect amount of chicken needed for the whole dish.
The Holy Trinity:
The Cajun holy trinity of cooking. A yellow onion, a green bell pepper, and celery. Adds so much flavor to any dish, and will have your house smelling amazing.
Green Onions:
I also like adding in green onions. You don’t have to but it’s my preference and I always do.
Tomatoes:
I like using two large fresh tomatoes. I also used the canned with green chilies, but the fresh ones just push this recipe over the top in my opinion.
Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chiles:
Again, you’ll need two cans and they add that tiny kick of heat.
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
Just packs in more flavor. You don’t want to exclude it.
Chicken & Beef Broth:
I used a carton of chicken and a carton of beef broth.
Water:
Use 3 cups of water. This will dilute down all the broths and help cook the noodles.
Seasoning:
I used poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Pasta:
I used two boxes or 20 ounces of pasta. I used bowtie pasta, but you can use whatever kind you’d
How to Make Pastalaya
Step one
In a very large pot or Dutch oven, slice and add your sausage with about a tablespoon of oil on medium heat. Debone your entire chicken and add it as well. Let the meats slightly brown on all sides then remove them from the pot.
Step two
Dice your onion, celery, green onion, and green bell pepper and add them to the pot. Add in another tablespoon of oil. Saute until all the veggies are tender. Dice and add in your two tomatoes and two cans of Rotel tomatoes. Continue sautéing on medium heat. Add in your seasonings, then add your meat back into your pot. Mix together.
Step three
Add in all of your broth and water and stir. Also add in your cream of mushroom soup. Lastly add in your pasta and bring to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for at least 25-30 minutes. The pasta will be completely cooked, and liquids absorbed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cajun Pastalaya
Ingredients
- 28 oz Smoked Sausage
- 1 Whole Rotisserie Chicken
- 1 Large Yellow Onion
- 3-4 Celery Stalks
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 4-5 Green Onions
- 2 Large Tomatoes
- 2 cans Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chiles
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 3 cups Water
- 1/2 tbsp Poultry Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 24 oz Bowtie Pasta
Instructions
- In a very large pot or Dutch oven, slice and add your sausage with about a tablespoon of oil on medium heat. Debone your entire chicken and add it as well. Let the meats slightly brown on all sides then remove them from the pot.
- Dice your onion, celery, green onion, and green bell pepper and add them to the pot. Add in another tablespoon of oil. Saute until all the veggies are tender. Dice and add in your two tomatoes and two cans of Rotel tomatoes. Continue sautéing on medium heat. Add in your seasonings, then add your meat back into your pot. Mix together.
- Add in all of your broth and water and stir. Also add in your cream of mushroom soup. Lastly add in your pasta and bring to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for at least 25-30 minutes. The pasta will be completely cooked, and liquids absorbed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Hold Up…
Did you try this Cajun pastalaya recipe? What did you think? Please let me know here or in the comments below! I want to hear from you!
