Description
Pastalaya is a flavorful Louisiana-inspired pasta dish that combines smoky sausage, savory seasonings, and tender pasta, all simmered to perfection for a comforting, hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners, it captures the essence of Creole flavors in a quick and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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 pepper
Liquid Ingredients
- 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
- Brown the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds and 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 and add to the pot. Sauté for one minute until fragrant and soft.
- Heat seasoning mix: Add the frozen seasoning mix to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, and freshly cracked pepper.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the penne pasta, chicken broth, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Cover the pot, turn the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir briefly, lower heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare garnishes: While simmering, chop parsley and slice green onions.
- Finish the dish: Turn off heat and stir in half and half or cream. Mix most of the parsley and green onions into the dish, reserving some for topping.
- Serve: Dish is best served hot, garnished with remaining parsley and green onions for added freshness.
Notes
- Use a pre-chopped frozen seasoning mix for convenience or fresh onion, bell pepper, and celery if preferred.
- Creole seasoning varies in salt content; homemade blends may need extra salt for taste.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if pasta is not tender after 10 minutes.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables or sausage for more flavor.
- This dish pairs well with hot sauce or crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 715 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
