Cajun Pastalaya - A Spicy and Delicious Pasta Dish with a Cajun Twist

Cajun Pastalaya is a unique and tasty fusion of Cajun and Italian flavors. This dish combines the spiciness of traditional Cajun jambalaya with the comforting goodness of pasta. It is perfect for those who crave bold and fiery flavors. With a combination of succulent meats, aromatic vegetables, and spicy seasonings, Cajun Pastalaya is a crowd-pleasing one-pot wonder that will leave your taste buds craving for more. It's a simple and satisfying dinner option that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• Chopped green onions and parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
3. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the diced chicken thighs and cook until browned.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside with the sausage.
6. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
7. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
8. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
9. Stir well to combine.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
11. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
12. Drain the pasta and set aside.
13. After 20 minutes of simmering, add the cooked sausage and chicken back to the pot.
14. Stir in the cooked penne pasta.
15. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
16. Serve the Cajun Pastalaya hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.
17. Enjoy!

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