Spicy Jambalaya Pasta – A Cajun-Inspired Flavor Fiesta

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Big Easy with this sensational Spicy Jambalaya Pasta recipe. Combining the zesty essence of traditional jambalaya with the comforting allure of pasta, this dish is a true celebration of Cajun cuisine. Succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and an array of colorful vegetables dance together in a tantalizing medley of spices. With every forkful, you’ll experience a burst of heat, a hint of tang, and a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Serving: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: 520 per serving

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
• 1/2 pound (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining pasta
• Chef’s knife for chopping ingredients

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

1. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
2. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the cooked sausage.

Step 5

1. In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

1. Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat them with the flavorful mixture.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

1. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the spicy jambalaya sauce and incorporate all the ingredients.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors and become perfectly coated.

Step 8

1. Serve the Spicy Jambalaya Pasta in individual bowls or plates, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and added visual appeal.

Tips and Tricks:

• Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like diced tomatoes, okra, or corn to customize your jambalaya pasta.
• For a smokier flavor, use andouille sausage instead of smoked sausage.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the jambalaya pasta with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They should be pink and opaque when cooked.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g

Final Thoughts:

Spicy Jambalaya Pasta is a flavor-packed fusion that brings the spirit of New Orleans straight to your dinner table. With its enticing combination of shrimp, sausage, and Cajun spices, this dish is a feast for the senses. The lively blend of vegetables and zesty seasonings creates a harmon.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this informative YouTube video for a visual reference. It provides additional guidance and tips to help you recreate this tasty dish. Expand your recipe repertoire and take your cooking to the next level. Enjoy!

FAQ:

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While penne pasta works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Certainly! You can omit the shrimp and sausage and replace them with your favorite vegetarian protein alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A3: The recipe, as written, contains regular wheat-based pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta or any other gluten-free pasta variety available.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A4: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the pasta and store it separately from the jambalaya sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with the cooked pasta until heated through.

Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this jambalaya pasta. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It should stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q6: How spicy is this dish?
A6: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your preference. The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds heat, but you can reduce or increase the amount according to your taste. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance for you.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to the jambalaya pasta?
A7: Absolutely! This recipe serves as a great base, and you can add additional vegetables to customize it to your liking. Diced tomatoes, okra, corn, or even spinach can be fantastic additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q8: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp and sausage?
A8: Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp and sausage if you prefer. Simply skip the cooking steps for shrimp and sausage in the recipe and add them directly to the sauce during step 6. Heat them through and continue with the recipe as instructed.

Enjoy your Spicy Jambalaya Pasta and embrace the lively flavors of the Cajun cuisine!