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authentic cajun pastalaya in bowl with parsley and green onions

Authentic Pastalaya Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This authentic pastalaya recipe combines smoky sausage, juicy chicken, and pasta in a bold Cajun-spiced sauce for the ultimate Louisiana comfort meal. It’s an easy one-pot dinner made by a New Orleans native that's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for bringing a little taste of NOLA home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
Calories: 405
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • Dutch oven: one-pot stovetop cooking
  • Wooden spoon: for stirring and deglazing
  • Chef’s knife for slicing sausage and veggies
  • cutting board for prep
  • Measuring cups & spoons: for accuracy

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage; brown 4 minutes. Remove. Add chicken; brown 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook 5–6 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth. Return sausage and chicken. Bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in pasta. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with garnished with parsley and green onions.

Video

Notes

  • Cook time tip: If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly before it’s tender, add ¼–½ cup extra broth while cooking. You want it saucy but not soupy.
  • For creamy pastalaya: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) after the pasta cooks for a rich, velvety finish. 
  • Make it spicier: Add cayenne or a few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce to taste.
  • Serving suggestion: Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions for color and balance.
  • Storage: Keeps up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
  • Other cooking methods: For Instant Pot and Slow Cooker directions, scroll to the blog post above. Both versions are included for busy weeknights.
  • Cajun seasoning swap: This recipe was developed using The Spice Girl Kitchen Cajun Seasoning - my salt-free, sugar-free blend for perfectly balanced flavor. You could do a modified homemade version by using 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp black pepper or sub your favorite store bought Cajun seasoning.
  • Make it your own: Swap chicken for shrimp, add smoked paprika for more depth, or try bowtie pasta for a fun twist.
  • Rest before serving: Let the pastalaya sit 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings): 405 calories, 15g fat, 34g carbs, 32g protein, 3g fiber. (Add approximately +45 calories and +4g fat per serving if you include the heavy cream.) Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.