Imagine a dish that combines the soul of Louisiana's famous jambalaya with the comfort of a hearty pasta meal - that's exactly what Cajun Pastalaya delivers! This mouth-watering one-pot wonder is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, bringing explosive Cajun flavors right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a kick of spice that'll make your palate sing, this recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, slicing smoked sausage, and finely chopping bell pepper and onion.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced chicken breast. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown and nearly cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté with the chicken until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned smoked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine with chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in chicken broth and add remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Stir well to ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 12-15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or Cajun seasoning if needed. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the browning process for sausage and chicken - those golden-brown edges mean maximum flavor!
- For extra depth, consider using andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage.
- Keep some extra chicken broth on hand in case the pasta needs more liquid during cooking.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or increase the Cajun seasoning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions can add a bright, fresh finish to this rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
