Cajun Pastalaya
A hearty one-pot meal where pasta soaks up the smoky flavors of Andouille sausage, tender chicken, and the Cajun Holy Trinity. It's the ultimate comfort food, bringing the bold taste of Louisiana to your dinner table in under an hour.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Meats
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well-browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- d.Season the chicken cubes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the sausage.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Cajun 'Holy Trinity') to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits (fond).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom the Aromatics
- b.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- c.Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining salt and black pepper. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Deglaze and Simmer
- b.Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.
- c.Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Add the broken fettuccine to the boiling liquid, pushing it down to submerge it as much as possible. Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- c.Once the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta is done when it's al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the last bit of sauce and the flavors to meld.
- c.Uncover, stir well, and garnish generously with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken; cook it in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
- 2Breaking the pasta in half helps it fit into the pot and cook more evenly in the liquid.
- 3The 'fond' (browned bits on the bottom of the pot) is packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape it all up when you add the vegetables and broth.
- 4For a creamier finish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- 5If the pastalaya seems too thick after resting, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- 6Leftovers are fantastic! The flavors deepen overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken and sausage with 1.5 lbs of peeled shrimp (added in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking) or use smoked turkey sausage for a leaner option.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the meats and use a plant-based sausage. Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms and 1 chopped zucchini along with the Holy Trinity for extra substance. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one finely diced jalapeño or habanero pepper along with the Holy Trinity for a significant heat increase.
Different PastaDifferent Pasta
While fettuccine is traditional, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work wonderfully and are easier to stir.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With both chicken and sausage, this dish provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
The canned diced tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Metabolism Boosting Spices
The cayenne pepper and other spices in the Cajun seasoning contain capsaicin, a compound that can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and may aid in fat oxidation.
Rich in Alliums
Onions and garlic, key components of the 'Holy Trinity', belong to the allium family. They contain beneficial compounds that have been shown to support cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Cajun Pastalaya is a hearty and protein-rich meal, but it can be high in sodium and saturated fat due to the Andouille sausage. To make it healthier, you can use a leaner turkey sausage, choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning and broth, and add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.