Are you craving a delicious meal that is sure to please? Look no further than stalekracker pastalaya! This Cajun-inspired dish combines the flavors of delightful ingredients, for a tasty one-pot meal. The dish also comes together quite quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
In this guide, you will learn how to make stalekracker pastalaya with step-by-step instructions. Plus, you will find cooking tips and information about the ingredients that can be used in this recipe.
What Is stalekracker pastalaya?
Stalekracker pastalaya is a hearty, one-pot dish that combines the flavors of smoked sausage, chicken, and vegetables with penne pasta. This dish has its roots in Louisiana cuisine but can be found all over the US. It’s an incredibly flavorful meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Where Did I First Try stalekracker pastalaya?
When I came across the recipe for pastalaya by Stalekracker, I was initially intrigued by the combination of ingredients. It featured two proteins- chicken and smoked sausage, which is something that I hadn’t tried before.
The recipe also included diced tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and spices for an extra kick of flavor. I decided to give it a try and was so glad that I did! After my first bite of this delicious dish, I was hooked.
The smokiness of the sausage combined with the tenderness of the chicken and the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning created a wonderful flavor that I couldn’t get enough of!
Plus, the addition of vegetables and herbs added even more depth to this already flavorful dish. I had my first taste of stalekracker pastalaya at a restaurant in New Orleans. I was on vacation and decided to try a few of the local dishes.
This dish immediately stood out to me as something different and tasty. After I finished my meal, I asked the server for the recipe so that I could recreate it back home.
When I returned home, I set out to recreate the same dish that I had tried in New Orleans. After a few trials and errors, I was finally able to get it just right! The final result was an incredibly flavorful one-pot meal that has become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- Penne pasta: This is the main ingredient in this dish and is used to provide a hearty base for all of the other flavors.
- Smoked sausage: Smoked sausage adds a wonderful smoky flavor to this dish. I recommend using good-quality smoked sausage for the best results.
- Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they have great flavor and stay tender when cooked.
- Diced tomatoes: Tomatoes add a nice acidity to the dish. I recommend using canned diced tomatoes for ease of preparation.
- Cajun seasoning: This is what gives this dish its Cajun flavor! Make sure to use a good-quality Cajun seasoning for best results.
- Onion: Onions are a must-have in any Cajun dish. They add flavor and texture to the dish. Bell pepper:
- Bell peppers: They provide color and sweetness to the dish, as well as additional texture.
- Celery: Celery adds an earthy flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth is used to add more flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic provides a wonderful depth of flavor and is necessary for any Cajun-inspired dish.
- Thyme: Thyme adds a nice herbal flavor to the dish.
- Oregano: Oregano gives this dish its classic Italian flavor.
- Salt: Salt helps to bring out the flavors of all of the other ingredients.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the smoked sausage.
- Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper gives this dish its spicy kick!
- Green onions: Green onions are used as a garnish for this dish, providing color and flavor.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Cut up the sausage into small pieces and place it in a large skillet with one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes until it starts to brown.
Step 2
Cut the chicken thighs into small cubes. Add them to the skillet with the sausage and season with the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3
Dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Add them to the skillet with the chicken and sausage. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 4
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt, paprika, pasta, and cayenne pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened up a bit.
Serve with some chopped green onions on top if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy if cooked too long.
- Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you don’t like spicy food, feel free to omit or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used.
- You can add extra vegetables if desired.
- This dish can be served with a side of rice or couscous for added heartiness.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have smoked sausage, you can replace it with cooked and crumbled bacon or ground beef.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
- Canned tomato sauce can be used in place of diced tomatoes if desired.
- You can customize the flavor of this dish by substituting different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- If you don’t have green onions, you can use chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish.
Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Equipment
- strainer
- Spatula
- serving dish etc
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins:
- 1 lb of robust penne pasta
- 1 lb of tender boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lb of flavorful smoked sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 can of diced tomatoes adding a burst of freshness
- 1 bell pepper vibrant and diced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 stalks of celery finely sliced
Broth and Seasonings:
- 2 cups of hearty chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of zesty Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a kick
Garnish:
- Green onions finely chopped, for a fresh finishing touch
Instructions
- Cut up the sausage into small pieces and place it in a large skillet with one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Cut the chicken thighs into small cubes. Add them to the skillet with the sausage and season with the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Add them to the skillet with the chicken and sausage. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt, paprika, pasta, and cayenne pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened up a bit.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy if cooked too long.
- Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you don’t like spicy food, feel free to omit or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used.
- You can add extra vegetables if desired.
- This dish can be served with a side of rice or couscous for added heartiness.
Nutrition Information
One serving of stalekracker pastalaya contains approximately
- 350 calories,
- 15 grams of fat,
- 29 grams of carbohydrates, and
- 28 grams of protein.
How to Store Leftover stalekracker pastalaya?
Leftover pastalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. It is also possible to freeze any leftovers for up to three months.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women to eat as long as all ingredients are cooked thoroughly and the proper food safety guidelines are followed. For sure this dish is a delicious way to get in some of your recommended daily servings of vegetables.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, this dish can be made in a slow cooker by adding all of the ingredients except for the pasta and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Be sure to add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and smoked sausage and replacing them with additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this recipe on stalekracker pastalaya! This one-pot meal combines the smokiness of sausage with the tenderness of the chicken and a variety of vegetables and herbs for an incredibly flavorful dish. It is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals, as it takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
You can even customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. So, try it out today and enjoy a delicious meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters! Share the recipe with your friends and family!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.