Pastalaya

4.89 from 34 votes

Pastalaya is the ultimate Cajun comfort food with all the bold, smoky flavors of classic Jambalaya, but made with pasta and ready in just 30 minutes. This easy one-pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your family asking for seconds every single time.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 757kcal

Author: Lauren Allen

Recipe Link

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons oil , vegetable or canola
1 lb andouille sausages* , cut into coins
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite-size pieces
1 yellow or white onion chopped
4 green onions , chopped
3 ribs celery , chopped
1 green bell pepper , chopped
4 cloves garlic , finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper , optional, for hotter spice, if desired.
14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup water
1 lb penne pasta , or Banza chickpea penne

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add oil to a large skillet (minimum 12x2’’) or dutch oven over medium high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook, flipping once, to brown on all sides (don't cook chicken through). Remove to a bowl. Add sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Add to the bowl with the chicken.
2 Tablespoons oil, 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 lb andouille sausages*
Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to the pan, scraping up any leftover browned bits from the pan. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic then sauté for 3 minutes. Add basil, Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt and pepper then stir well to combine.
1 yellow or white onion, 4 green onions, 3 ribs celery, 1 green bell pepper, 4 cloves garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Add chicken broth, water, and dry pasta and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Add reserved meat to the pan. Reduce heat, cover pan with fitted lid, and cook for about 11 minutes. Remove lid to stir once or twice during cooking.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, ½ cup water, 1 lb penne pasta

Video

Notes

Servings Size: about 2 cups pastalaya serving.

Sausage: I substitute Polska Kielbasa sausage when cooking for my family, because it's less spicy for my kids.

To Add Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp at the end, or add jumbo, uncooked shrimp during the last couple minutes of cooking.

Instant Pot Jambalaya

Jambalaya with rice

Macro Friendly: If you want more protein you can substitute the whole wheat pasta for Banza Chickpea Penne Pasta.

Make Ahead Instructions: Chop the veggies, chicken, and sausage in the morning. It will make this jambalaya pasta recipe such a breeze.

Storage Instructions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition