Hey, Welcome to the Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe. Pastalaya is a Louisiana favorite — it’s like jambalaya, but instead of rice, you use pasta! It’s smoky, spicy, and bursting with Cajun flavor in every bite.
If you’ve ever watched Stalekracker cook up a pot of this hearty dish, you already know it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings friends and family together.
I decided to give it a go in my own kitchen, and trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at pasta the same way again!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Category: Main Course
History and Origin
Pastalaya originated in Louisiana as a creative twist on the classic jambalaya. Cajun cooks swapped rice for pasta, combining smoky sausage, chicken, and bold spices to create a creamy, hearty dish that perfectly represents Southern comfort and community cooking traditions.
What does Stalekracker Pastalaya taste like?
Stalekracker Pastalaya bursts with smoky, spicy Cajun flavors. The combination of sausage, chicken, and creamy pasta delivers a rich, savory bite with just the right heat, making it irresistibly comforting and deeply satisfying — the true taste of Louisiana in one dish.
Stalekracker Pastalaya Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked sausage (sliced) | 1 lb |
| Chicken thighs (cubed) | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Bell pepper, chopped | 1 |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) | 1 can |
| Elbow or penne pasta | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Green onions, chopped | For garnish |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
How to Make Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Meat
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Stir in Rotel, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta directly into the pot and cook until tender, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Add Cream and Meat
Reduce the heat, pour in heavy cream, and return the meat to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer until thick and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot. Boom — that’s money, dude!
Recipe Card
Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in Rotel, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring it to a boil.
- Add the pasta directly into the pot and cook until tender, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
- Reduce the heat, pour in heavy cream, and return the meat to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer until thick and creamy.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve hot. Boom — that’s money, dude!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stalekracker Pastalaya hot with a side of buttery cornbread or garlic toast. Add a crisp green salad or coleslaw for freshness.
It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or tailgate parties where everyone craves bold Cajun flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days if they are stored in an airtight container.
To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
This Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe works because it blends smoky sausage, tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and creamy pasta into one comforting pot.
Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully, giving you an easy, hearty, Louisiana-inspired meal.
Tips to Make Your Pastalaya Even Better
To level up your Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe, sauté the meat until deeply browned for maximum flavor, use a high-quality Cajun seasoning, and don’t rush the simmering step.
These small details help create a richer, creamier, and more authentic Southern-style dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta, adding too much seasoning at once, or skipping the browning step.
These mistakes can make the dish mushy or overly salty. Taking your time with each stage ensures a balanced, perfectly textured Pastalaya.
Variations You Can Try
You can easily customize this Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe by adding shrimp, using smoked turkey instead of sausage, swapping heavy cream with half-and-half, or mixing in extra veggies.
Each variation adds its own twist while still keeping the signature Cajun comfort intact.
Best Side Dishes to Pair With Pastalaya
Along with cornbread and salads, you can pair Pastalaya with roasted vegetables, Cajun-style fries, or buttery biscuits.
These sides complement the hearty, smoky flavors and turn the dish into a complete Southern feast everyone will enjoy.
How to Make It Spicier
If you love heat, add extra Cajun seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños.
These additions intensify the bold kick without overwhelming the dish, giving you a perfectly spicy version that still keeps its rich, creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Stalekracker Pastalaya is bold, creamy, and packed with Cajun goodness. It’s a true taste of Louisiana comfort food you can easily make at home.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the conclusion of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp works great! Add it at the end so it doesn’t overcook.
What pasta type works best?
Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta holds the sauce well and gives a great texture.
Can I make it less spicy?
Of course! Just use mild Cajun seasoning or skip the Rotel.
Can I freeze Pastalaya?
Yes, freeze it up to 2 months. Reheat with broth or cream before serving.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Smoked andouille sausage gives the best authentic Cajun flavor.
You can try more recipes from https://puretastyrecipes.com.
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