Cajun Pastalaya

Cajun PastalayaPhoto byM Henderson

Cajun Pastalaya is a delicious way to enjoy a blend of traditional Cajun ingredients.

A pasta version of jambalaya, Cajun Pastalaya is the perfect solution for those who would rather eat pasta than rice, or who just want to change things up a bit. Unlike a rice-based jambalaya, this recipe has a little cheese in it to flavor the sauce.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. package pasta
• 2 tablespoons oil or reserved bacon fat
• 1-lb. smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4" slices
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1-lb. cleaned crawfish tails, if available
• 1-lb. cleaned medium sized shrimp
• 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid crab boil (such as Zatarain's)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Season cut-up chicken pieces with half of Cajun seasoning. Set aside to marinate.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Add one tablespoon of oil to a large saucepan and brown sausage.
4. Add chicken pieces to the pan and brown.
5. When chicken is cooked, add pasta and mix gently, being careful not to break the pasta.
6. Remove mixture from pot and set aside.
7. Add second tablespoon of oil to the pot.
8. Stir fry onions, garlic, and green pepper until just wilted, about 3 minutes.
9. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Let fry for about 1 minute.
10. Stir in chicken broth, mix very well (you don't want any lumps), and bring to a simmer.
11. Add shrimp, cook for about 2 minutes.
12. Add crawfish, mix well, and cook for about 1 more minute.
13. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and the liquid crab boil. Mix well.
14. Stir in heavy cream.
15. Add cheese and mix well. Cook until melted.
16. Remove from heat and blend in pasta with chicken and sausage.
17. Gently stir in green onions and serve.

Serves 8.