Description
Pastalya, also known as Jambalaya Pasta, is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, and succulent shrimp with a creamy, seasoned tomato sauce. Tossed with cooked pasta and garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, this hearty skillet meal delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory depth, making it an ideal main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb diced chicken breast
- 8 oz sliced andouille sausage
- 8 oz peeled shrimp
Pasta
- 4 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: In the same pan, add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Combine proteins: Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add the peeled shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Add cream and heat: Stir in the heavy cream and hot sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Simmer flavors: Let the entire mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well for this recipe.
- Shrimp can be omitted or substituted with additional chicken or sausage based on preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
