Pastalaya
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6 (1.5 cups each)
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Calories
472 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Pastalaya
Description
This Pastalaya recipe begins by browning thinly sliced smoked sausage in vegetable oil to develop rich, savory flavor. Minced garlic and a frozen blend of chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'trinity' of Cajun cooking) add aromatic depth when sautéed. Diced tomatoes and a mixture of spices including Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, and thyme build complex seasoning.
Penne pasta is added along with chicken broth and water, then simmered with a lid on until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the broth's flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a finishing touch. The pasta cooks directly in the seasoned liquid, creating a cohesive and hearty dish without separate sauce preparation.
Serve Pastalaya hot, garnished with chopped parsley and green onions for brightness. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Fresh alternatives to the frozen seasoning mix include chopping your own onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Store-bought Creole seasoning often contains salt, so adjust added salt accordingly if you opt to make your own blend.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil $0.04
- 1/2 lb. smoked sausage $2.50, preferably Andouille
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16
- 1 oz. bag seasoning mix $1.29, frozen
- 1 oz. can diced tomatoes $0.59
- 1/2 Tbsp creole seasoning $0.15
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
- 1/4 tsp thyme $0.02
- black pepper $0.03, freshly cracked
- 2 cups chicken broth $0.26
- 1 cup water $0.00
- 1 lb. penne pasta $1.39
- 2 Tbsp half and half $0.11, or cream
- 1/2 bunch parsley $0.45, fresh
- 1/2 bunch green onions $0.42
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, then cut any larger pieces in half. Add the sausage and vegetable oil to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the sausage is well browned (about 5 minutes).
- Mince two cloves of garlic and add them to the pot. Sauté for one minute, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Add the bag of frozen seasoning mix and sauté until heated through (3-5 minutes). Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), Creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, freshly cracked pepper (about 20 cranks of a pepper mill), and pasta to the pot. Finally, add the chicken broth and 1 cup of water, and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Place a lid on the pot and turn the heat up to medium-high. Let the pot come to a boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, stir briefly, replace the lid, turn the heat down to low, and let the pot simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir the pot once every few minutes as it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking. Replace the lid as quickly as possible to maintain a simmer. If the mixture still seems soupy at around 8 minutes, let the pot simmer without a lid for the last few minutes. A little bit of thick sauce at the bottom of the pot is perfect.
- While the pasta is simmering, chop the parsley and slice the green onions.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the half & half or cream. Stir in most of the chopped parsley and green onions, reserving some to sprinkle over top of each bowl. Serve hot.
Notes
- The frozen seasoning mix used is a blend of onion, bell pepper, and celery; fresh versions can be substituted by chopping one yellow onion, one green bell pepper, and two celery stalks.
- Store-bought Creole seasoning can be salty; if making your own blend, add extra salt to suit taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6(1.5 cups each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 472 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.5Cups | |
| Calories | 472kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 66g | 22% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Sodium | 715mg | 30% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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