If you’re looking for a dish that captures the heart and soul of Southern cuisine with a delightful twist on a classic favorite, Pastalaya is your answer. Combining the richness of pasta with the comforting flavors of jambalaya, this dish is a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: Experience a fusion of mouth-watering Creole spices and the satisfying heartiness of pasta.
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot wonder means less cleanup and more enjoyment.
- Family Favorite: A dish that’s bound to be loved by everyone around your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pastalaya lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a melody of flavors. Let’s delve into what makes this dish so special.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the sausage, adding a subtle flavor base.
- Smoked sausage: Opt for Andouille for that authentic smoky, spicy kick.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant depth that enhances the overall taste.
- Frozen seasoning mix: A convenient trio of onion, bell pepper, and celery, offering quintessential Creole flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a zesty acidity and moisture to the mix.
- Creole seasoning: Brings the iconic spicy and robust taste that defines Pastalaya.
- Oregano and smoked paprika: Two spices that elevate the complexity with their earthy and smoky nuances.
- Chicken broth and water: Combines to cook the pasta perfectly while infusing it with flavor.
- Penne pasta: Its robust shape holds the sauce and flavors beautifully.
- Half and half or cream: Rounds off the dish with a creamy finish.
- Fresh parsley and green onions: Offers a fresh, herby brightness right at the end.
Variations
What I adore about Pastalaya is its versatility. You can easily tweak it according to what you have on hand or your family’s preferences, making it as personalized as you love.
- Vegetarian Pastalaya: Swap the sausage for smoked tofu or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add a dash of cayenne pepper or slice up some jalapeños with the veggies.
- Seafood Twist: Incorporate shrimp or crawfish toward the end for a delightful seafood alteration.
How to Make Pastalaya
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Slice your smoked sausage into thin rounds, ensuring they’re bite-sized for even cooking. Add them to a large pot with vegetable oil over medium heat, stirring until they are beautifully browned and fragrant, about five minutes.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Mince your garlic cloves and sauté them until they grow tender and aromatic. Then, toss in your frozen seasoning mix and cook until everything is heated through, usually taking about 3-5 minutes. Follow with the diced tomatoes and their juices, creating a luscious base for your Pastalaya.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Simmer
Add the Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, freshly cracked pepper, and penne pasta. Stir in your chicken broth and a cup of water, ensuring all ingredients meld well. Cover your pot, increase the heat until it boils, then reduce to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the half and half or cream. For a burst of freshness, mix in most of the chopped parsley and green onions, reserving some for garnish.
Pro Tips for Making Pastalaya
- Sausage Selection: Choosing authentic Andouille sausage is key for that traditional smoky kick.
- Consistent Stirring: Gently stirring while it simmers prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Adjusting Spice: Feel free to tweak the Creole seasoning to suit your spice tolerance, as it often varies by brand.
- Herb Freshness: Adding fresh parsley and green onions at the last moment boosts both flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Pastalaya
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and green onions will not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, vibrant taste to each serving of Pastalaya. Doubling down on these fresh herbs elevates the dish into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pastalaya is delightfully rich, yet it pairs beautifully with a light green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or soft dinner rolls could also be perfect accompaniments, soaking up that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Pastalaya in individual baking dishes for a cozy, homey feel. Garnish with an artful drizzle of cream and a few choice herbs. These personal touches add so much charm to your table setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pastalaya holds well in the refrigerator for up to three days, stored in an airtight container. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, fuss-free meal ready to warm up.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion out the Pastalaya into freezer-safe containers, where it can remain fresh for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gentle reheating on the stove over low heat, with a bit of water or broth to refresh the sauce, works best. Alternatively, the microwave can do the trick, just be sure to stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended, any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni can work wonders, ensuring all flavors cling delightfully with each bite.
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What if I can’t find Creole seasoning?
No worries! You can whip up a homemade blend using spices like paprika, cayenne, oregano, garlic powder, and thyme to capture that Creole essence beautifully.
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Are there gluten-free options for Pastalaya?
Certainly! Simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’ll be able to enjoy Pastalaya without compromising on flavor or texture.
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Can I make this dish spicy?
Indeed! Add a little extra kick by incorporating hot sauce or additional cayenne pepper while simmering, or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
Pastalaya is an all-around crowd-pleaser, marrying the glorious flavors of Louisiana with the universally loved heartiness of pasta. Give it a go, and enjoy crafting this wonderfully fulfilling dish that everyone will absolutely adore!
Print
Pastalaya Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Louisiana / Creole
Description
Pastalaya is a flavorful and hearty Louisiana-inspired pasta dish combining smoky sausage, seasoned vegetables, and tender penne pasta in a rich Creole-inspired broth, finished with creamy half & half and fresh herbs for added freshness and depth.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (preferably Andouille)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 10oz. bag frozen ‘seasoning mix’ (onion, bell pepper, celery)
- 1/2 Tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- Freshly cracked pepper (about 20 cranks)
Liquids
- 1 15oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tbsp half and half or cream
Pasta and Garnishes
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- 1/2 bunch green onions
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, then cut any larger pieces in half. Add the sausage and vegetable oil to a large pot and cook over medium heat until well browned, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Mince the two cloves of garlic and add to the pot. Sauté for one minute or until fragrant and soft.
- Add seasoning mix: Stir in the frozen seasoning mix and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices. Add Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, freshly cracked pepper, and the pasta. Stir to combine.
- Pour liquids and simmer: Add chicken broth and water. Stir everything together, place a lid on the pot, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Once boiling, stir briefly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If too soupy, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Prepare herbs: While pasta cooks, chop the parsley and slice the green onions.
- Finish and serve: Turn off heat, stir in half & half or cream, and most of the herbs. Garnish with remaining parsley and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a pre-frozen seasoning blend to save time, or chop fresh onion, bell pepper, and celery if preferred.
- Creole seasoning varies; store-bought blends are saltier. Adjust salt in homemade blends accordingly.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for a few additional minutes at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 715 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
