Description

Pastalaya is a flavorful and hearty Louisiana-inspired pasta dish combining smoky sausage, a savory Creole seasoning blend, and pasta cooked to perfection. This comforting one-pot meal features bold spices, fresh herbs, and a creamy finish, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Meat and Oils

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
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1/2 bunch fresh parsley
1/2 bunch green onions

Pasta and Dairy

1 lb. penne pasta
2 Tbsp half and half or cream

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Instructions

Cook the sausage: 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.
Sauté garlic: Mince two cloves of garlic and add them to the pot. Sauté for one minute until fragrant and soft.
Add seasoning mix and tomatoes: Add the frozen seasoning mix and sauté until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the diced tomatoes with juices, creole seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, and freshly cracked pepper.
Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the pasta, chicken broth, and water until combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Prepare herbs: While the pasta simmers, chop parsley and slice green onions.
Finish the dish: Turn off heat, stir in half and half or cream, then add most of the chopped parsley and green onions. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs.

Notes

If you prefer fresh vegetables, chop one yellow onion, one green bell pepper, and two stalks of celery instead of using the frozen seasoning mix.
Adjust salt as needed if making your own Creole seasoning blend, as store-bought versions can be high in salt.
This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 250g)
Calories: 472 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 715 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 66 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 19 g
Cholesterol: 54 mg