Name: Velvety Pastalaya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: Serves approximately six people
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3 slices thick-cut turkey bacon; 1 cup beef steak (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced); 2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (cubed); 1 chicken breast (cubed); 1 large yellow onion (chopped); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 2 ribs celery (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 10 oz can diced tomatoes with chilies; 10 oz can cream of chicken soup; 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup; 1 pound pasta (farfalle or penne); Fresh thyme and Creole seasoning

Description

Velvety Pastalaya is a delicious twist on the classic Cajun Jambalaya, replacing rice with pasta for a creamy, comforting dish. This recipe features a rich blend of meats, including turkey bacon, beef steak, chicken, and smoked sausage, all simmered in a velvety sauce made from cream soups and spices. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, Velvety Pastalaya is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers!

Ingredients

Scale

3 slices thick-cut turkey bacon
1 cup beef steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced)
2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (cubed)
1 chicken breast (cubed)
1 large yellow onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
2 ribs celery (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
10 oz can diced tomatoes with chilies
10 oz can cream of chicken soup
10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 pound pasta (farfalle or penne)
Fresh thyme and Creole seasoning

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook chopped turkey bacon, onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 3 minutes.
Brown the beef steak and smoked sausage for about 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
Incorporate cubed chicken, diced tomatoes, Creole seasoning, and thyme; cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Stir in water, chicken broth, cream soups, and browning sauce; cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Add dry pasta and bring to a boil; press noodles into the liquid.
Cover the pot and bake at 300°F for one hour without opening the lid.
Let it rest for ten minutes before serving; stir well before garnishing with green onions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Customize your dish by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Allowing the pastalaya to rest enhances flavor melding. For a spicier kick, use hotter diced tomatoes or adjust Creole seasoning.