Creamy Cajun Pastalaya
Try this Creamy Cajun Pastalaya recipe
Try this Creamy Cajun Pastalaya recipe
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper julienned
- 1 cup fontina cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 12 oz dry pasta i used mafalda
- 8 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp cajun spice
- 6 oz (about 1 large chicken breast) chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into small bite size pieces
- 1 andouille sausage or smoked sausage cut into slices
- 1/2 green bell pepper julienned
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper julienned
- Carbohydrate 4.42405589867082 g
- Cholesterol 321.920866833311 mg
- Fat 56.8170773571046 g
- Fiber 0.975228509519277 g
- Protein 70.2585210516404 g
- Saturated Fat 19.1830653591939 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (513g)
- Sodium 440.590667495472 mg
- Sugar 3.44882738915154 g
- Trans Fat 4.66825699796652 g
- Calories 825 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Season the shrimp with about ½ tbsp of the cajun seasoning and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook on both sides until it turns pink, about 2 min per side, could be less depending on the size of your shrimp.
- Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chicken and sausage to the pot, and sprinkle about 1 tbsp of the cajun seasoning over the chicken. Stir everything together and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onion, celery and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add all the peppers and sprinkle the remaining ½ tbsp of cajun seasoning over the peppers, stir well and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stir and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then add the cooked pasta and about ½ cup of the shredded Fontina cheese.
- Stir everything together.
- Remove from heat, then garnish with the remaining Fontina cheese, green onions and parsley. The pasta will continue to soak up the sauce.
- Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftover for up to 3 days.
Creamy Cajun Pastalaya: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework, extracurricular activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But I've discovered a recipe that’s become a lifesaver – Creamy Cajun Pastalaya. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful, but it's also surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of days. The combination of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and spicy andouille sausage creates a symphony of tastes that will delight the entire family. The creamy sauce, infused with the warmth of Cajun spices, coats the perfectly cooked pasta, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
What I love most about this Pastalaya is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your family's tolerance for heat. It's also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or sausage, making it a budget-friendly option too. The best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal prep choice for those busy weeks. I often double the recipe and have lunch sorted for the entire week. I simply portion it out into individual containers and store them in the fridge for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
The Magic of Cajun Spices: The heart of this recipe lies in the Cajun seasoning. The blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices creates a complex and irresistible flavor profile. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands or create your own blend to find your perfect balance of spice and flavor. I’ve tried several variations, and I’ve found that a good quality pre-made blend works wonders, but if you’re feeling adventurous, making your own is a rewarding experience.
Pasta Perfection: I've found that Mafalda pasta works best for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite shape. The slightly ruffled edges of the Mafalda perfectly capture the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Make sure to cook the pasta according to package directions al dente – this will prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
Shrimp Sensation: The addition of shrimp adds a delicate sweetness and a touch of elegance to the dish. I prefer using peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience, but feel free to use unpeeled shrimp if you have the time to prep them yourself. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as this can make them tough and rubbery. A quick sear of two minutes per side is all you need to achieve perfect pink shrimp.
Andouille Adventure: Andouille sausage, a smoked sausage with a distinctive spicy kick, adds a depth of flavor that elevates the Pastalaya to another level. However, if you can't find Andouille, you can substitute it with other smoked sausages or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. The smokiness of the sausage complements the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.
Vegetable Variety: The bell peppers and celery add a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce and the spice of the sausage and seasoning. I use a mix of red and yellow bell peppers for visual appeal and a slightly different flavor in each bite. The fresh parsley and green onions, used as a garnish, add a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
Creamy Conclusion: The heavy cream is the key to creating that luxurious, creamy sauce. It coats the pasta beautifully and adds a richness that elevates the dish. You can also use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Beyond the Recipe: This Creamy Cajun Pastalaya is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a comforting hug on a cold night, a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to extraordinary levels. It's a dish that brings people together, a conversation starter, and a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with love and a touch of Cajun spice. So, the next time you find yourself in a culinary rut or short on time, try this recipe. It will quickly become a family favorite and a go-to weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions: This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with some simple sides. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette would balance the richness of the Pastalaya. Alternatively, crusty bread or garlic knots are delicious for soaking up the creamy sauce. And for a truly indulgent treat, serve it with a side of creamy coleslaw.
Enjoy this Creamy Cajun Pastalaya and savor every delicious bite!
