Pastalaya Stalekracker Recipe

Pastalaya Stalekracker is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for anyone who loves Cajun cuisine or is looking for a new and flavorful pasta dish to add to their recipe collection

Pastalaya Stalekracker

    Pastalaya Stalekracker

  • Cuisine: American
  • Category: Pasta
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Servings: 12
  • Calories: 500 calories

About this recipe

Let's talk about pastalaya Stalekracker! This dish is a mouth-watering fusion of two beloved Cajun classics: jambalaya and pasta. If you're a fan of spicy, hearty, and flavorful dishes, then pastalaya is definitely one to try.

So what exactly is pastalaya? At its core, pastalaya is a savory and spicy pasta dish that is made by combining jambalaya with pasta.

Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana rice dish that is typically made with a variety of meats and vegetables, such as sausage, chicken, and bell peppers, seasoned with Cajun spices, and cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

To make pastalaya Stalekracker, the key ingredients of jambalaya are combined with penne pasta and cooked together until the pasta is tender and has absorbed all of the flavors of the sauce. The result is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.

What sets pastalaya Stalekracker apart from other pasta dishes is its unique blend of savory and spicy flavors. The Cajun seasoning, smoked sausage, chicken, and vegetables all come together to create a complex and delicious flavor profile that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Origin of Pastalaya Stalekracker recipe

Pastalaya is a dish that originated in Louisiana, USA, and is a fusion of two classic Cajun dishes: jambalaya and pasta.

It is believed to have been created as a way to use leftover jambalaya by mixing it with pasta. The dish has since become popular in Louisiana and other parts of the southern United States.

Why make this recipe?

Pastalaya in general is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the elements of jambalaya with pasta. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.

The special dish features a combination of savory and spicy flavors from the Cajun seasoning, smoked sausage, chicken, and vegetables, making it a unique and delicious meal to try.

Also, this recipe is relatively easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Having said that, pastalaya stalekracker is definitely worth a try if you enjoy Cajun cuisine or are looking for a new and flavorful pasta dish to add to your recipe collection.

What does Pastalaya Stalekracker taste like?

Pastalaya is a flavorful and savory dish that combines the spicy, savory flavors of jambalaya with the comforting and satisfying texture of pasta.

The dish is typically seasoned with Cajun spices, which add a spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. The smoked sausage and chicken add a rich and meaty flavor, while the vegetables like onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic add a sweet and earthy flavor to the dish.

The texture of pastalaya is also unique, with the penne pasta providing a firm and slightly chewy texture that holds up well in the sauce. Overall, pastalaya is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the best flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comfort of pasta.

What would you need for this recipe?

For the ingredients, make sure the followings are available.

  • Smoked sausage - Smoked sausage is a popular ingredient in Cajun cuisine and adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs - Chicken thighs are a flavorful and tender cut of meat that work well in this dish.
  • Onion - Onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
  • Bell pepper - Bell pepper adds a sweet and slightly bitter flavor to the dish and also provides a nice crunch.
  • Stalks of celery - Celery adds a subtle, earthy flavor and provides a nice texture to the dish.
  • Cloves of garlic - Garlic adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
  • Can of diced tomatoes - Diced tomatoes provide a sweet and slightly acidic flavor and add a nice texture to the dish.
  • Cajun seasoning - Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices typically used in Cajun cuisine and adds a spicy, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Dried thyme - Thyme adds a slightly minty and earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Dried oregano - Oregano adds a slightly bitter and pungent flavor to the dish.
  • Paprika - Paprika adds a sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the dish.
  • Cayenne pepper - Cayenne pepper adds a spicy and slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
  • Salt - Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Chicken broth - Chicken broth is used as a liquid to cook the pasta and provides a savory flavor to the dish.
  • Penne pasta - Penne pasta is a popular choice for pastalaya because it holds up well in the sauce and provides a nice texture.
  • Green onions (optional) - Green onions add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the dish and also provide a nice color contrast.

And here are the equipment needed to make patalaya and some possible substitutes:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven - This is used to cook the pastalaya sauce and pasta. A large, deep skillet or a wok can be used as a substitute.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula - This is used to stir the ingredients together in the pot or Dutch oven. A metal spoon or spatula can be used as a substitute.
  • Chef's knife - This is used to chop the vegetables, sausage, and chicken. A santoku knife or a cleaver can be used as a substitute.
  • Cutting board - This is used to chop the vegetables, sausage, and chicken. A large plate or a clean, flat surface can be used as a substitute.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - These are used to measure the ingredients. If you don't have measuring cups and spoons, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredients.
  • Colander - This is used to drain the cooked pasta. A large, fine-mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel can be used as a substitute.
  • Serving dish - This is used to serve the finished pastalaya. A large bowl or a deep plate can be used as a substitute.

How to make Pastalaya Stalekracker

Discover the flavorful and unique combination of jambalaya and pasta with the pastalaya stalekracker recipe. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal. Let's go!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb. penne pasta
  • Green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions to follow

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked to your liking and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Add the sausage and chicken back to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until everything is heated through.
  8. Serve the pastalaya hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

How do you serve Pastalaya Stalekracker recipe?

  1. Transfer the pastalaya to a large serving dish - Once the pastalaya is cooked and ready to serve, transfer it to a large serving dish. Make sure to scrape the pot clean to get all the delicious sauce and pasta.
  2. Garnish with green onions - Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top of the pastalaya to add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. You can also add additional Cajun spices or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  3. Serve with crusty bread - Serve your pastalaya with some crusty French bread or garlic bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and is great for sopping up the flavors.
  4. Enjoy! - Your pastalaya is now ready to serve! Spoon the pasta and sauce into bowls and enjoy it while it's still hot and delicious.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 648 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Pastalaya Stalekracker, Pastalaya, Pastalaya Stalekracker Recipe, Recipe, Stalekracker

What to serve with?

Pastalaya is a flavorful and filling dish on its own, but it can also be served with a few side dishes to round out the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with pastalaya:

  1. Cornbread - Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pastalaya. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.
  2. Salad - A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and bold flavors of the pastalaya.
  3. Garlic bread - Garlic bread is another classic side dish that goes well with pastalaya. The garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  4. Roasted vegetables - Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the pastalaya.
  5. Steamed rice - If you want to add more carbohydrates to your meal, steamed rice is a great option. The rice can help balance out the spiciness of the pastalaya.

Ultimately, the choice of side dishes will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Just remember to keep the sides simple and complementary, as the pastalaya is already a flavorful and filling dish on its own.

My recommendations and tips for you

  • Use quality ingredients - The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor and overall quality of your pastalaya. Use fresh vegetables, high-quality sausage and chicken, and good quality pasta.
  • Cook the pasta separately - Cook the pasta separately from the rest of the ingredients and add it to the pot just before serving. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy or overcooked.
  • Season generously - Pastalaya is meant to be a bold and flavorful dish, so don't be afraid to season it generously with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Don't overcook the meat - Be sure not to overcook the sausage and chicken, as they can become tough and chewy. Cook the meat just until it is browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
  • Let it rest - After the pastalaya is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the sauce.
  • Garnish with green onions - Garnish your pastalaya with chopped green onions just before serving. This adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the dish and also provides a nice color contrast.

How to store Pastalaya Stalekracker

This recipe makes a large amount of pastalaya, so it's perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta to help loosen the sauce.

Potential ingredients substitutes

If you are missing some of the ingredients for this pastalaya recipe, here are some possible substitutes:

  • Chicken broth substitute - If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth, beef broth, or water.
  • Andouille sausage substitute - If you can't find andouille sausage, you can use any other spicy smoked sausage, such as chorizo or kielbasa.
  • Chicken thighs substitute - Chicken breasts or even boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of bone-in chicken thighs.
  • Onion substitute - If you don't have onion, you can use shallots or leeks instead.
  • Garlic substitute - If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
  • Cajun seasoning substitute - If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
  • Penne pasta substitute - Any other short pasta shape, such as rigatoni or fusilli, can be used instead of penne.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, pastalaya is a unique and delicious Cajun-inspired dish that combines the flavors of jambalaya with pasta. The pastalaya stalekracker recipe provides a flavorful and hearty meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a dish that's bursting with spicy, savory flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you're a fan of Cajun cuisine or simply looking for a new pasta dish to try, the pastalaya stalekracker recipe is definitely worth adding to your recipe repertoire.

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