Dive into a flavor-packed adventure with our One Pot Cajun Pastalaya, where the vibrant tastes of the South come alive in a single, easy-to-make dish! This hearty recipe combines succulent shrimp and smoky sausage with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all simmered together in a rich, zesty sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting weeknight meal, this Cajun delight is sure to impress. Get ready to tantalize your senses and bring the spirit of Louisiana right to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the smoked sausage is sliced, the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and the bell pepper and onion are diced. Mince the garlic cloves as well.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 5 minutes, or until it is browned and has released some of its flavorful oils.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the sausage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and penne pasta. Stir everything together to combine.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- After 15 minutes, check the pasta for doneness. If it is nearly cooked, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the pasta is al dente.
- Once everything is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Cajun pastalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and slice the sausage in advance. This way, you can simply toss everything in the pot when you're ready to cook.
- Use Quality Sausage: Opt for a good-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. And if you want to kick it up a notch, try andouille sausage for an extra spicy kick!
- Don't Rush the Sauté: Allow the sausage to brown properly before adding the vegetables. This step enhances the overall depth of flavor in your dish.
- Adjust the Spice: If you're sensitive to heat, start with less Cajun seasoning and gradually add more to suit your taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it out!
- Check Pasta Doneness: Since different brands of pasta can cook at varying rates, check for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the pastalaya sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Leftovers Delight: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg
