Introduction
Hey there! Ready to whip up something super tasty and impress everyone at the dinner table? Today, we’re diving into the world of Stalekracker and his famous pastalaya recipe. This dish is like jambalaya but swaps rice for pasta, making it a hearty, comforting meal. Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can make it in no time!
Recipe Details
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups of chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery (often sold as a mix called the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can (10 ounces) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or bowtie works great)
- 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned. This brings out the flavor and gets our dish started right.
- Cook the Veggies: Toss in the chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic. Cook everything until the veggies are soft.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring this to a boil before adding your pasta.
- Season It: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, and add salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix to spread the flavors around.
- Let It Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the pot simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thick, take the pot off the heat. Sprinkle over some chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh touch.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, add extra Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Make It Meatier: You can add chicken or shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra protein.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add more of your favorite veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pastalaya hot, right out of the pot. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a filling meal on its own, but these sides can make it even more satisfying.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Approximately 350 calories, 18g protein, 15g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 5g sugar.
And there you have it—a simple and delicious Stalekracker pastalaya recipe that anyone can make! Whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy your culinary creation!