Hey, Welcome to the Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe. Stalekracker Pastalaya is a bold and hearty Cajun one-pot pasta dish made with sausage, chicken, vegetables, and rich spices.
If you’ve ever had jambalaya at a Louisiana cookout, you already know how comforting and flavorful Cajun food can be.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delicious recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Cajun / Louisiana
Category: Main Course
History and Origin
Pastalaya comes from Louisiana’s Cajun culture. It is inspired by jambalaya, but instead of rice, pasta is used to absorb all the seasoned flavors.
Cajun cooks created it during outdoor gatherings because it cooks fast, feeds a crowd, and packs tremendous flavor. Today, it’s a popular festival food.
What Does Stalekracker Pastalaya Taste Like?
Stalekracker Pastalaya tastes smoky, savory, and slightly spicy. The pasta absorbs seasonings from sausage, chicken, broth, and Cajun spices.
Every bite is rich and comforting, with a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and meaty goodness.
By the way, you can also try the Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss​.
Stalekracker Pastalaya Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked sausage, sliced | 1 pound |
| Chicken thighs, diced | 1 pound |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Bell peppers, chopped | 2 |
| Celery, chopped | 2 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Short pasta (penne or rotini) | 1 pound |
| Green onions, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
How to Make Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 1: Cook the sausage and chicken
Heat your pot, add sliced sausage, and cook until browned. Add diced chicken and cook until it turns golden and releases juices.
Step 2: Add vegetables
Add onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and release aroma.
Step 3: Add seasoning and liquids
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together.
Step 4: Add pasta
Add pasta directly to the pot. Let it cook uncovered until the pasta absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Add chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Card
Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your pot, add sliced sausage, and cook until browned. Add diced chicken and cook until it turns golden and releases juices.
- Add onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and release aroma.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together.
- Add pasta directly to the pot. Let it cook uncovered until the pasta absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
- Add chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Pastalaya Stalekracker Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe hot in a deep bowl with green onions scattered on top. Pair it with warm garlic bread or a crispy side salad.
This dish is perfect for tailgating, game days, or weeknight dinners. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the next bite even better.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat it over the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips To Make Your Stalekracker Pastalaya Extra Flavorful
The secret to deep flavor is browning the sausage and chicken well before adding vegetables. This caramelization builds richness.
Also, don’t rush the simmering step because it allows the pasta to soak up the smoky Cajun spices perfectly.
Variations You Can Try
You can switch things up based on what you love. Swap sausage for andouille, use seafood like shrimp, or add mushrooms and corn for more texture.
Every variation keeps the Cajun spirit of the dish alive while letting you customize the flavors.
How To Adjust The Spice Level
If you enjoy heat, use spicy Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes. For a mild version, reduce the seasoning and add extra cream to balance the spice.
You can easily tailor the spice level to suit everyone at the table.
Why One-Pot Meals Are Perfect For Busy Days
One-pot meals save time and make cleanup easier. Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and less stress.
I love how flavors blend naturally, and you end up with a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Side Dishes To Serve With Stalekracker Pastalaya
Garlic bread, side salads, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe.
If you want a full Southern-style meal, serve it with cornbread or grilled corn. These sides complement the spicy, creamy flavors in every bite.
Why This Recipe Is Great For Beginners
This recipe is perfect even if you’re new to cooking. You only need one pot and simple ingredients.
I guide you step by step, so you don’t have to worry about messing up. You’ll feel like a pro after making it.
Conclusion
Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe is a true Louisiana comfort food. It feeds a crowd, cooks in one pot, and tastes incredible. You and your family will love how creamy, smoky, and flavorful every bite is.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast works well, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during simmering.
Is Stalekracker Pastalaya spicy?
It depends on the Cajun seasoning. Mild or spicy seasoning both work well.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. Substitute half and half, evaporated milk, or extra broth.
Can I add shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Add shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Add pasta only after the liquid simmers and stir occasionally.
You will also like the Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe.
1 thought on “Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe”