Cajun Ninja’s Pastalaya is the perfect mix of bold flavors and hearty comfort. It’s like jambalaya got a makeover with pasta—and the result is simply amazing. I remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those lazy weekends when I craved something warm, filling, and a little different.
I found Cajun Ninja’s Pastalaya recipe on YouTube and thought, “Why not give it a try?” The steps were so easy to follow, and when I took that first bite, I was hooked. It was rich, smoky, and bursting with flavor—unlike anything I’d made before.
Now, I’m excited to share this Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe with you so you can enjoy it just as much as I did.
What Makes Cajun Ninja’s Pastalaya Recipe Unique?
Cajun Ninja’s Pastalaya is not just another recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Perfect Blend of Flavors: Combines smoky sausage, tender pork, and juicy chicken with aromatic vegetables and spices.
- Pasta Instead of Rice: Uses pasta as a unique twist, giving a softer texture while retaining the essence of jambalaya.
- Simple and Flexible: The recipe is easy to follow and allows for adjustments based on your preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: A convenient dish that’s cooked in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
How Does Pastalaya Differ from Traditional Jambalaya?
- Base Ingredient: Jambalaya uses rice, while pastalaya substitutes it with pasta.
- Texture: Pasta creates a softer, more pliable base compared to the firmer texture of rice.
- Cooking Method: Jambalaya often involves longer simmering times for rice, whereas pastalaya cooks quicker with pasta.
- Flavor Profile: Pastalaya can lean slightly creamier due to ingredients like cream of chicken soup.
Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
Proteins
- Pork (1 lb): Boneless pork ribs or pork chops work best for their tenderness.
- Chicken Thighs (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for juiciness and flavor.
- Smoked Sausage (1 lb): Adds a smoky and savory kick.
Vegetables
- Green Bell Pepper (1): Adds a subtle sweetness.
- Yellow Onions (2): For a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Garlic Cloves (4): Provides a warm, aromatic depth.
- Green Onion (1 bunch): Fresh and mild onion flavor.
- Celery Sticks (2): Contributes a crisp, earthy taste.
Seasonings and Other Ingredients
- Kosher Salt: Less compact than table salt, for balanced seasoning.
- Black Pepper: Enhances the savory notes.
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning (½ tbsp): Adds a signature spice blend.
- Beef Bouillon Cubes (3): Boosts the umami factor.
- Hot Sauce (1 tbsp): For a gentle heat.
- Browning Sauce (1 tbsp): Deepens the color and flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Creamy richness to bind the flavors.
- Bow Tie Pasta (16 oz): Traditional choice for pastalaya.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp): For browning the meat.
- Water (3 ½ cups): To cook the pasta and meld the flavors.
Possible Substitutions for This Pastalaya Recipe
- Meat: Use shrimp, turkey, or beef instead of pork or chicken.
- Pasta: Swap bow tie pasta with penne, rotini, or spaghetti.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Substitute with cream of mushroom or heavy cream.
- Hot Sauce: Opt for chili flakes or paprika for heat.
- Browning Sauce: Use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a similar effect.
Kitchen Appliances Needed
- A large pot or Dutch oven for cooking everything.
- A wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients.
- Cutting boards and sharp knives for prepping the meat and vegetables.
- A slotted spoon for transferring the meat.
- An oven for finishing the dish.
How to Make Cajun Ninja Pastalaya
Step 1 | Prepare Your Cooking Area
Grab an oven-safe pot and set it over medium heat. This pot will go into the oven later, so make sure it’s suitable for both stovetop and oven use.
Step 2 | Prepare the Ingredients
Meat: Cut the pork and chicken into bite-sized cubes. Slice the sausage into thin rounds.
Vegetables: Chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and green onion. Store the chopped vegetables in the fridge to keep them fresh while you work on the meat.
Step 3 | Season the Pork
Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper generously over the pork pieces. Mix well so that all the meat is evenly coated.
Step 4 | Sear the Pork
Add vegetable oil to your heated pot and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
Place the seasoned pork into the pot and let it sear. Stir occasionally, but let the pieces sit for a few moments to get a nice brown crust.
Once the pork is browned and no pink is visible, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.
Step 5 | Add the Chicken
After 20 minutes, add the cubed chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork and chicken to a bowl. Set aside for later.
Step 6 | Cook the Sausage
Add the sliced sausage to the pot (with the drippings from the pork and chicken). Raise the heat slightly and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned.
While the sausage is cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F.
After the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside with the other meat.
Step 7 | Sauté the Vegetables
With the drippings still in the pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and green onion.
Season the vegetables with Cajun seasoning and add the beef bouillon cubes.
Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook down over medium heat for about an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the vegetables soften, they will release moisture and deepen in flavor.
Step 8 | Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in 3 ½ cups of water, a can of cream of chicken soup, hot sauce, and kitchen bouquet (browning sauce).
Stir well to blend everything together. Raise the heat slightly to help the ingredients combine smoothly.
Step 9 | Add Pasta and Meat
Once the soup is well blended, add your pasta and return the pork, chicken, and sausage to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Gently press down on the mixture with a spoon to ensure all the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Step 10 | Cook in the Oven
Bring the pot to a boil on the stovetop, then turn off the heat.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for exactly 1 hour—no peeking!
Step 11 | Let It Rest and Serve
Once the hour is up, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Uncover the pot and stir the mixture thoroughly, bringing the bottom layer to the top. This will ensure even cooking and distribute flavors.
If you notice any pasta on top that looks slightly undercooked, cover the pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 12 | Enjoy
Serve your Pastalaya hot and enjoy the smoky, savory, and comforting flavors. This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides or even on its own.
Tips for a Perfect Pastalaya
- Let the meat brown properly for maximum flavor.
- Stir the pasta gently to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best taste.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
What to Serve With Pastalaya
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Here are my favorite options to serve alongside:
Fresh Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing. The crisp, cool salad balances the rich, warm pasta perfectly.
Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. I always have extra bread on the table.
Quick Garlic Bread: Toast slices of French bread with butter and garlic powder. It takes just minutes but adds so much to the meal.
Simple Steamed Vegetables:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Sautéed zucchini
- These light sides help balance the rich main dish.
Extra Condiments:
- Hot sauce for spice lovers
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Storage Tips
This Pastalaya recipe gets even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and meld together! Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness and taste:
Cool Completely: Allow the dish to cool fully before storing. This prevents condensation, which could make the pasta overly soft.
Airtight Containers: Transfer the Pastalaya into airtight containers to keep it fresh. It stays good in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheating Tips:
For individual portions, microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway to distribute heat evenly.
For larger amounts, reheat in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and stir frequently.
Freezing: You can freeze Pastalaya for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing and reheating. Store it in portion-sized containers for easier reheating later.
Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pastalaya a day ahead! The flavors actually get better overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water or broth when reheating to keep it from being too dry.
2. Why does my pasta sometimes come out unevenly cooked?
This usually happens when the pasta isn’t evenly covered by liquid or when you open the oven during cooking. Make sure all pasta is pushed down into the liquid before putting it in the oven, and resist opening the oven door during cooking. After cooking, stirring well helps even out any differences in pasta texture.
3. Why do you use three different meats?
Each meat adds its own special flavor – pork gives richness, chicken adds tenderness, and smoked sausage brings that classic smoky taste. Together, they create a deep, complex flavor that makes this dish special.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
While you can use a slow cooker, I don’t recommend it. The oven method helps create the right texture and lets the pasta cook perfectly. Slow cookers might make the pasta too soft and change the texture of the dish.
5. What’s browning sauce and can I skip it?
Browning sauce adds color and a bit of flavor. While you can skip it, it helps give the dish its signature look. You can find it in most grocery stores near the gravy mixes.
6. How do I know when the vegetables are cooked enough?
The vegetables should be very soft and dark – this usually takes about an hour. They’ll look like they’re almost melting into the pot. This slow cooking creates the rich base flavor of the dish.
7. Why kosher salt instead of regular table salt?
Kosher salt spreads more evenly and gives better control over saltiness. Since we’re adding bouillon cubes later, using kosher salt helps prevent the dish from getting too salty.
Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe
Enjoy the authentic Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe with pork, chicken, sausage, and bold Creole flavors. Perfect one-pot meal for comfort and hearty dining.
Ingredients
- Pork: 1 lb
- Chicken Thighs: 1 lb
- Smoked Sausage: 1 lb
- Green Bell Pepper: 1
- Yellow Onions: 2
- Garlic Cloves: 4
- Green Onion: 1 bunch
- Celery Sticks: 2
- Kosher Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: ½ tbsp
- Beef Bouillon Cubes: 3
- Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Browning Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 10.5 oz can
- Bow Tie Pasta: 16 oz
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp
- Water: 3 ½ cups
Instructions
Step 1 | Prepare Your Cooking Area
Grab an oven-safe pot and set it over medium heat. This pot will go into the oven later, so make sure it’s suitable for both stovetop and oven use.
Step 2 | Prepare the Ingredients
Meat: Cut the pork and chicken into bite-sized cubes. Slice the sausage into thin rounds.
Vegetables: Chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and green onion. Store the chopped vegetables in the fridge to keep them fresh while you work on the meat.
Step 3 | Season the Pork
Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper generously over the pork pieces. Mix well so that all the meat is evenly coated.
Step 4 | Sear the Pork
Add vegetable oil to your heated pot and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
Place the seasoned pork into the pot and let it sear. Stir occasionally, but let the pieces sit for a few moments to get a nice brown crust.
Once the pork is browned and no pink is visible, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.
Step 5 | Add the Chicken
After 20 minutes, add the cubed chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork and chicken to a bowl. Set aside for later.
Step 6 | Cook the Sausage
Add the sliced sausage to the pot (with the drippings from the pork and chicken). Raise the heat slightly and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned.
While the sausage is cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F.
After the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside with the other meat.
Step 7 | Sauté the Vegetables
With the drippings still in the pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and green onion.
Season the vegetables with Cajun seasoning and add the beef bouillon cubes.
Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook down over medium heat for about an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the vegetables soften, they will release moisture and deepen in flavor.
Step 8 | Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in 3 ½ cups of water, a can of cream of chicken soup, hot sauce, and kitchen bouquet (browning sauce).
Stir well to blend everything together. Raise the heat slightly to help the ingredients combine smoothly.
Step 9 | Add Pasta and Meat
Once the soup is well blended, add your pasta and return the pork, chicken, and sausage to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Gently press down on the mixture with a spoon to ensure all the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Step 10 | Cook in the Oven
Bring the pot to a boil on the stovetop, then turn off the heat.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for exactly 1 hour—no peeking!
Step 11 | Let It Rest and Serve
Once the hour is up, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Uncover the pot and stir the mixture thoroughly, bringing the bottom layer to the top. This will ensure even cooking and distribute flavors.
If you notice any pasta on top that looks slightly undercooked, cover the pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 12 | Enjoy
Serve your Pastalaya hot and enjoy the smoky, savory, and comforting flavors. This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides or even on its own.
Conclusion
Making Cajun Ninja’s Pastalaya recipe might take some time, but trust me, it’s worth every minute! I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The combination of tender meats, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich Cajun flavors creates something truly special.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try in your kitchen – it’s a fantastic way to bring some Cajun comfort food to your table. Share your cooking experience with me, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!
