Velvety Pastalaya

Velvety Pastalaya

from thecaglediaries.com
140 min

Pastalaya is a Cajun recipe, originating from the traditional Jambalaya, replacing the rice with Pasta. This Pastalaya recipe is a hearty comfort food that will have you reaching for more!

Ingredients

  • 3 Slices Thick Cut Bacon (chopped)
  • 1 Each Yellow Onion (chopped, large)
  • 1 Each Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
  • 2 Ribs Celery (chopped)
  • 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Cup Pork Steak (steak or roast cut into 1" cubes)
  • 1 Pound Smoked Sausage (sliced)
  • 2 Each Chicken Thighs (Skinless, boneless, cut into 1" cubes)
  • 1 Each Chicken Breast (cut into 1" cubes)
  • 1 (10 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes and Chilies
  • 3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning (or Cajun Seasoning)
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1-1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Browning Sauce
  • 1 (10 Ounce) Can Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 (10 Ounce) Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 Pound Pasta (Farfalle (bowtie) or Penne)
  • 3 Each Green Onions (chopped)

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat a large Dutch Oven (or cast iron pot) on medium high heat, then add the chopped bacon, the onion, bell pepper and celery. Cook until totally soft and the bacon is cooked.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic, minced and cook a further 3 minutes.

  3. 3

    Brown the cubed pork steak and smoked sausage, cook about 20-25 minutes until the sausage begins to caramelize somewhat.

  4. 4

    Add the cubed chicken thighs, chicken breast, can of diced tomatoes and chilies (Rotel), Creole seasoning and fresh thyme and cook for 15-20 minutes more on medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 300°F.

  5. 5

    To the pot add the water, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and the browning sauce (kitchen bouquet). Cook for a further 20 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add the dry pasta, stir well and bring to a rolling boil.

  7. 7

    At that point turn off the heat and press the noodles down into the liquid so all noodles are mostly in the fluid. It will just about cover most.

  8. 8

    Place lid / cover and place in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour remove from the oven and don't open the pot for 10 minutes.

  9. 9

    After 10 minutes remove the lid and give a good stir from the bottom of the pot. Add the chopped green onions and serve.