🔥 If you love jambalaya but want a pasta-filled twist, then this Cajun Pastalaya recipe is going to be your new favorite meal! It’s packed with smoky sausage, tender chicken, and bold Cajun spices, bringing together the best of both worlds—classic jambalaya flavors and comforting pasta.
Not only is this dish hearty and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Plus, everything comes together in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this Cajun Pastalaya recipe is sure to impress. So, if you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine, let’s get started and bring some Louisiana flavors to your table!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
- ✅ Bold & Spicy – Packed with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful kick.
- ✅ Family-Friendly – Customize the spice level for everyone at the table.
- ✅ Great for Leftovers – The flavors get even better the next day!
🍽️ Equipment You’ll Need to Make Cajun Pastalaya
- Large Dutch oven or deep skillet
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
🛒 Ingredients For the Best Cajun Pastalaya
Proteins:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Seasonings & Pantry Staples:
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco, optional)
- 2 tbsp Kitchen Bouquet
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 4 1/2 c water
Pasta:
- 1 lb. Spaghetti noodles
🥘 How to Make Cajun Pastalaya
1️⃣ Sear the Meats
First, heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then cook the sausage and chicken until browned (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and set aside,
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
Then, in the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and celery until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the Broth & Pasta
Now, pour in the Rotel tomatoes, water, Kitchen Bouquet, hot sauce, and remaining spices and soup mix. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
At this point, return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is cooked out.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Finally, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot! 🌶️ Enjoy every delicious, smoky, and spicy bite!
🍽️ What to Serve with Pastalaya
This dish is already packed with flavor, but here are a few great sides:
🥖 Crusty French bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Simple garden salad – Balances the richness of the dish.
🥣 Slow-cooked white beans – A classic Southern side that complements the smoky flavors of pastalaya.
🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Pastalaya
- ✔ Use Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor.
- ✔ Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing cayenne and hot sauce.
- ✔ Make it creamy by stirring in heavy cream or cream cheese.
- ✔ Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
📌 FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
A: No problem! You can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper to create a homemade version.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and use mushrooms or plant-based sausage. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go!
🌟 You May Also Like
If you enjoyed this Cajun Pastalaya Recipe, you’ll love these recipes too:
🎉 Final Thoughts
In the end, this Cajun Pastalaya recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the bold, smoky flavors of jambalaya with the comforting twist of pasta. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply looking for a satisfying one-pot meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Plus, since it’s easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a great choice for both busy weeknights and special gatherings.
So, why not give it a try? Once you do, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, and don’t forget to tag me on social media when you make it. That way, we can all enjoy this delicious Cajun Pastalaya recipe together. Happy cooking! 👩🍳✨
Cajun Pastalaya
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds boneless, skinless Chicken I use thigh meat but you can use breast if you prefer.
- 1 Pound sliced smoked Sausage or Andouille
- 1 10 oz Can of Rotel
- 1 enevelope Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 2 Tablespoons Kitchen Bouquet
- 1 Large onion, chopped
- 1 Large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Large red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Tony Chachere's Cajun Seasoning You can use more or less to your taste. You can also use whichever brand of cajun seasoning your prefer.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp hot sauce optional
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 pound Spaghetti noodles
- 4 Cups water
Instructions
- Cut up chicken into bite size pieces and brown with the sausage in a large Dutch oven with a small amount of vegetable oil. Season Meat with the Tony's.
- Add cut up vegetables and add to meats. Cook until veggies become soft.
- Add Rotel, water, Kitchen Bouquet and remaining seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Add Uncooked Spaghetti. Turn heat down to medium and cook until pasta is done and liquid is absorbed.
Thank you for the recipe.cant wait to try it .
Looks delicious