Cajun Pastalaya: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction to Cajun Pastalaya

Cajun Pastalaya is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, combining the rich flavors of Cajun cooking with hearty ingredients. This one-pot meal brings together succulent meats, vibrant vegetables, and pasta, all simmered to perfection. It’s not only a satisfying meal but also a great way to gather family and friends around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting a larger gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into what makes Cajun Pastalaya a standout recipe!

A Personal Story Behind My Cajun Pastalaya Journey

Growing up in a family that cherished cooking, Cajun Pastalaya was a regular feature at our family gatherings. I fondly remember my grandmother preparing it on weekends, filling the house with its irresistible aroma. The combination of meats and spices always made me excited to gather at the dinner table. Every bite is a reminder of those cherished moments, and I hope to share that same joy with you through this recipe.

What Makes This Cajun Pastalaya Recipe Special?

What sets this Cajun Pastalaya apart is its robust flavor profile and the variety of ingredients used. The smoky notes from the sausage and bacon, combined with the freshness of the vegetables, create a warm and inviting dish. The use of both cream of chicken and mushroom soups adds a creamy texture that balances the spices beautifully. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

The Full Cajun Pastalaya Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef steak or roast, cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 chicken breast, cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and chilies
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning or Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon browning sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 pound pasta (farfalle or penne)
• 3 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or cast iron pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft and the bacon is cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Brown the cubed beef steak and smoked sausage for about 20-25 minutes until the sausage starts to caramelize, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cubed chicken thighs, chicken breast, diced tomatoes and chilies, Creole seasoning, and fresh thyme. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to meld. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
5. Pour in the water, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and browning sauce. Cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring to combine.
6. Stir in the dry pasta, ensuring it is well mixed, and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Turn off the heat, press the noodles down into the liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
8. Cover the pot and place it in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
9. After 10 minutes, uncover the pot, stir from the bottom, add the chopped green onions, and serve.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cajun Pastalaya

Cajun Pastalaya is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or extra Creole seasoning before serving. You can also top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or even incorporate more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to suit your family’s preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Pastalaya

Can I make Cajun Pastalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be mindful that the pasta may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Can I freeze Cajun Pastalaya?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I substitute for the meats?
For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or omit the meats altogether and add more vegetables or beans for a vegetarian option.

Recipe Stats

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 480
• Servings: 6

Cajun Pastalaya

A comforting Cajun Pastalaya recipe filled with meats and pasta, perfect for family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Dutch oven or cast iron pot Essential for even cooking.

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef steak or roast, cut into 1" cubes
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 large chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, cut into 1" cubes
• 1 large chicken breast, cut into 1" cubes
• 1 can diced tomatoes and chilies (10 ounces)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning or Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon browning sauce
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10 ounces)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 ounces)
• 1 pound pasta (farfalle or penne)

Instructions

 

• In a large Dutch oven or cast iron pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft and the bacon is cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
• Brown the cubed beef steak and smoked sausage for about 20-25 minutes until the sausage starts to caramelize, stirring occasionally.
• Add the cubed chicken thighs, chicken breast, diced tomatoes and chilies, Creole seasoning, and fresh thyme. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to meld. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
• Pour in the water, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and browning sauce. Cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring to combine.
• Stir in the dry pasta, ensuring it is well mixed, and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Turn off the heat, press the noodles down into the liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
• Cover the pot and place it in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, uncover the pot, stir from the bottom, add the chopped green onions, and serve.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or extra Creole seasoning. This dish can be topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.

Keyword Cajun Pastalaya Recipe