Description
Pastalaya is a flavorful Louisiana-inspired pasta dish that combines smoked sausage, seasoning, and a rich creole flavor profile. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with bold spices and ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 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 pepperLiquids and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup water - 1 lb. penne pastaFinish and Garnish
- 2 Tbsp half and half or cream - 1/2 bunch fresh parsley - 1/2 bunch green onionsInstructions
- Brown the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, then cut 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 garlic cloves and add them to the pot. Sauté for 1 minute until soft and fragrant.
- Add seasoning mix: Stir in the frozen seasoning mix and sauté until heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Add diced tomatoes with juices, Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix well.
- Cook pasta: Pour in chicken broth and water. Add the pasta, stir to combine, and cover with a lid.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- Finish with cream and herbs: Turn off heat and stir in half and half or cream. Mix in most of the chopped parsley and green onions, reserving some for garnish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Frozen seasoning mix is convenient, but you can use fresh chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; if making your own creole seasoning, consider including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt.
- The dish can be customized with other proteins such as shrimp or chicken for variation.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 715mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
