Are you craving a dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comfort of pasta? Look no further than this Easy Cajun Jambalaya Pasta recipe! Also known as Pastalaya, this dish brings together savory chicken, sausage, and shrimp with pasta for a hearty, flavorful meal. Whether you’re new to Cajun cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make Cajun Jambalaya Pasta (also known as Pastalaya) with easy-to-follow steps, plus all the key ingredients and flavors that make it unforgettable. From chicken and sausage pastalaya to a Jambalaya pasta recipe that brings the classic jambalaya to a new level, we’ll explore every aspect of this delicious dish. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What is Pastalaya?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s first understand what Pastalaya is. Pastalaya is a Cajun variation of the traditional Jambalaya—one of Louisiana’s most beloved dishes. While jambalaya typically uses rice as the base, pastalaya swaps the rice for pasta, making it a quick and easy alternative that’s just as flavorful and filling.
In the traditional Jambalaya recipe, you will often find a mix of meat like chicken, sausage, and shrimp, all simmered with aromatic vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery, along with a blend of spices like Cajun seasoning, paprika, and thyme. Jambalaya pasta takes all of those elements and combines them with pasta for a satisfying dish that brings a southern-inspired twist to your plate.
Ingredients for Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
To make the Easy Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, you’ll need a variety of flavorful ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for this easy pastalaya recipe Cajun:
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound of pasta (linguine or penne work great)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Cajun Jambalaya Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound of sausage (preferably smoked sausage or andouille sausage), sliced
- 1 pound of chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or more if you prefer more sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for richness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
This easy jambalaya pasta comes together in just a few steps, and the beauty of the dish is in how everything simmers together to develop rich, smoky, and spicy flavors. Let’s break down the cooking process for this pastalaya recipe:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside. Make sure to save a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and crispy around the edges—about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Next, add the chicken pieces to the same pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has a nice golden-brown color—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and aromatic. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, making sure not to burn it.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to bring in the base for your Cajun jambalaya sauce. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Cream
Next, return the sausage and chicken to the pan, stirring them into the sauce. Add the shrimp and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. At this point, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the saved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta
Once the sauce is ready, add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce. Stir gently to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit of extra Cajun seasoning on top for more flavor and a bit of color.
Serve the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta immediately, and enjoy the smoky, spicy goodness in every bite.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Your Next Meal
This Jambalaya Pasta Recipe is not only flavorful but incredibly easy to make. Here are a few reasons why this easy pastalaya recipe Cajun is perfect for any night of the week:
- Quick and Simple: Unlike traditional jambalaya, which requires cooking rice, this easy Cajun jambalaya pasta recipe uses pasta, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering the same great taste.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp in this dish makes it a satisfying meal that will leave you full and happy. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a filling family dinner.
- Versatile: This dish can be easily customized. You can swap the sausage for chorizo, use more shrimp for a seafood twist, or even add vegetables like okra for an extra touch of southern flair. It’s a great base recipe that allows for creativity.
- Flavor-packed: The bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and Cayenne pepper come together to create the perfect level of heat and smokiness. This pastalaya is a wonderful example of how Cajun cuisine embraces spice without overwhelming the dish.
Tips and Variations for Your Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
- Make it Spicy: If you love extra heat, don’t shy away from adding more Cayenne pepper or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. You can also try using Cajun hot sausage for an extra punch.
- Add Vegetables: Cajun cuisine is all about balance, so feel free to add additional vegetables to this dish. Okra, zucchini, or mushrooms work well in this dish and can make it even more filling.
- Make it Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or use a smaller amount of cream for a less indulgent dish.
- Use Shrimp Only: If you’re a fan of shrimp, feel free to omit the chicken and sausage and make this dish entirely with shrimp. You can also use andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
Conclusion
This Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is a delicious twist on the classic jambalaya—perfect for those who love the rich flavors of southern cuisine but want to enjoy a quicker, pasta-based dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a small gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of chicken, sausage, shrimp, and pasta, all infused with bold Cajun seasoning, creates a dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful.
So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, spicy, and full of flavor, try this easy Cajun jambalaya pasta recipe. It’s a surefire way to bring a bit of Louisiana to your dinner table!
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