That’s it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this pastalaya recipe. Let me know if you make it. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, and how you spiced yours up! Pastalaya is essentially jambalaya made with pasta noodles instead of rice, hence the name, which is a combination of “jambalaya” and “pasta”. It’s a perfect example of Cajun and Creole cuisine, which has evolved from the influence of many cultures converging in Louisiana over many years. The beauty of pastalaya is that it all cooks up in one pot, making it rather easy to make. Plus, it’ll really feed a crowd. I’m sure you’re going to love it. Let’s talk about how to make pastalaya, shall we? The sausage will render out some of its fats and will become nicely fragrant. Remove the sausage and set aside onto a plate. Cook the Chicken. In the same pot, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside onto the plate with the andouille. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, until you can smell the gorgeous garlic blooming in the air. You can really add as much Cajun seasoning as you prefer. I usually double what the recipe calls for, as I greatly enjoy lots of spices in my dishes. You can simmer longer if you’d like to develop more flavor. Cook the Pasta. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. If you need to, add a bit more chicken stock or water to the pot if the noodles absorb all the liquid but are not softened to your liking. Make it a Creamy Pastalaya. Stir in the sour cream, if desired, for a creamier pasta. Garnish and Serve. Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve! Don’t forget the hot sauce! I do not recommend freezing pasta, as it can affect the texture. Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Louisiana Real and Rustic, by Emeril Lagasse (affiliate link, my friends!)