Introduction: Welcome back, food enthusiasts! Today, I want to share with you my culinary masterpiece: a one-pot homemade creamy Pastalaya with a delightful cheesy twist. This recipe combines the flavors of the South with a fusion of Cajun and Italian influences, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of chicken, Ma Bell’s sausage, shrimp, and the Holy Trinity, all seasoned with a tantalizing blend of Cajun and regular seasonings. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound Ma Bell’s sausage, sliced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and sausage to the pot, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Holy Trinity
- In the same pot, add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
- Add the heavy cream and stir again.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring the liquid base to a simmer. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Incorporate the Meat and Shrimp
- Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the shrimp and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: The Cheesy Twist
- Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey and irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Give the Pastalaya a final stir to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Dish out generous portions into bowls or plates and savor the creamy, flavorful goodness.
Conclusion: Congratulations, you have successfully prepared a one-pot homemade creamy Pastalaya with a cheesy twist! This dish combines the traditional elements of Cajun cooking with the comfort of creamy pasta, resulting in a satisfying meal that will please everyone at your table. The combination of chicken, Ma Bell’s sausage, shrimp, and the Holy Trinity creates a harmony of flavors, enhanced by the Cajun seasoning and regular seasonings. The addition of melted cheddar cheese takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. So, gather your loved ones, indulge in this culinary delight, and create memories around the table that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!