Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Stalekracker Pastalaya is a Cajun-inspired dish that combines the bold flavors of jambalaya with pasta instead of rice. This one-pot meal is packed with smoked sausage, chicken, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth infused with Cajun spices. It’s a hearty and delicious dish perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 1 lb chicken breast cubed
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce optional
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt adjust as needed
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- Garnish
- 2 green onions chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Cook the Sausage and Chicken
- Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the sausage and chicken to the skillet.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta to the skillet and stir well.
- Cover and let it cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check and Adjust
- Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove from heat.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
- For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a little more broth before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
