Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe

If you’ve been craving a hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting Cajun dish, the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe is exactly what you need. This Louisiana classic swaps the traditional rice for pasta, creating a creamy, meaty, and spice-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Inspired by the Cajun Ninja’s signature cooking style, this recipe layers flavor from the ground up – starting with seasoned pork, tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a vegetable medley sautéed to perfection. Add in pasta, a rich cream base, and just the right amount of heat, and you’ve got a one-pot masterpiece.

Whether you’re new to Cajun cooking or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will help you recreate that authentic Louisiana taste right in your own kitchen. Get your pot ready – we’re making Pastalaya!

Why You Will Love This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya

The Cajun Ninja Pastalaya is a flavor explosion in every bite. The seasoned pork and chicken bring a rich, savory depth, while the smoked sausage adds a robust, slightly spicy kick. Each piece of pasta soaks up the bold seasonings, creamy sauce, and savory meat drippings.

The vegetables – onions, celery, bell pepper, and green onions – provide a sweet and earthy base that balances the heat of the Creole seasoning and hot sauce. The long, slow sauté ensures the flavors are deep, caramelized, and full-bodied.

Cream of chicken soup and Kitchen Bouquet bring a luscious, silky finish that makes every forkful irresistible. The result is a dish that’s smoky, creamy, spicy, and deeply comforting – the true spirit of Louisiana in pasta form.

Ingredients Used in This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe

Meats

• 1 lb pork, cubed
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Seasonings & Flavorings

• Salt and black pepper (generous amount for pork)
• ½ tbsp Creole seasoning
• 3 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp Kitchen Bouquet

Liquids & Base

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 ½ cups water
• 1 (10 ½ oz) can cream of chicken soup

Pasta

• 1 lb bow-tie pasta (or pasta of choice)

Essential Kitchen Equipment Required

1. Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
2. Slotted spatula
3. Sharp knife & cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Mixing spoon

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours (includes simmering and baking)

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 8–10

How To Make Cajun Ninja Pastalaya

1. Season & Brown Pork
Generously season 1 lb of pork with salt and pepper. Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, add pork, and cook until no pink remains. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.

2. Prep Vegetables & Chicken
While pork simmers, chop onion, bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Dice 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into small pieces.

3. Cook Chicken
Add chicken to the pork, cook for 10 minutes, then remove both meats with a slotted spatula, letting drippings stay in the pot.

4. Sear Sausage
Slice 1 lb smoked sausage, add to the pot, and sear until browned. Remove and set aside with pork and chicken.

5. Sauté Vegetables
Add chopped vegetables to the pot, stirring to lift browned bits. Cook for 30 minutes until soft, adding 1 tbsp minced garlic, ½ tbsp Creole seasoning, and 3 beef bouillon cubes after 10 minutes.

6. Build Flavor Base
Stir in 3 ½ cups water, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 2 tbsp Kitchen Bouquet. Mix well.

7. Add Pasta & Meats
Increase heat, bring to a boil, then add 1 lb bow-tie pasta and all cooked meats. Stir to combine, pressing pasta into the liquid.

8. Bake & Serve
Preheat oven to 300°F, cover pot, and bake for 1 hour. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Notable Tips to Make This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe Perfect

Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below

1. Season that pork well.
Don’t be shy! Sprinkle lots of salt and pepper so the meat has big flavor from the start.

2. Let the pork simmer slow.
Give it 20–25 minutes. This makes it soft and tasty.

3. Cut your veggies the same size.
This helps them cook at the same speed and mix well later.

4. Sear the sausage for extra flavor.
Brown it until you see a little crust – it makes the sauce richer.

5. Stir your veggies often.
This keeps them from sticking and helps pick up all the yummy bits from the pot.

6. Use your favorite pasta shape.
Bow-tie pasta is fun, but penne, rotini, or shells work too.

7. Keep the pasta under the liquid.
This helps it cook all the way through in the oven.

8. Taste before baking.
If you want it spicier, add a little more hot sauce before it goes in the oven.

9. Let it rest before serving.
Five minutes of resting helps the sauce thicken and the flavors blend.

10. Save some for tomorrow.
It tastes even better the next day after all the flavors soak in.

Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya

Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this AAA at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.

1. With a Side of Garlic Bread
We’ve learned the hard way – never serve Pastalaya without something to soak up all that creamy, smoky sauce. Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit from your plate.

2. Alongside a Fresh Garden Salad
Sometimes we like to balance the richness with something crisp and refreshing. A simple salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

3. With a Slice of Cornbread
Cornbread and Pastalaya? Oh yes. That slightly sweet, crumbly texture works magic against the savory heat of the pasta. Trust us, you’ll go back for seconds.

4. Topped with Extra Green Onions
We’ve found that a handful of fresh green onions sprinkled over the top right before serving wakes up the flavors and adds a bright, fresh bite.

5. Paired with Sweet Tea
If you want to keep it authentically Southern, pour yourself a tall glass of sweet tea. The sweetness balances out the Cajun spices in the most comforting way.

6. With Pickled Okra on the Side
This might sound unusual, but we’ve been hooked ever since trying it. The tangy crunch of pickled okra is the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

7. Served in Bread Bowls
We tried this once for a party, and it was a hit. The bread soaks up all that Cajun goodness, and there’s no extra dish to wash. Win-win.

8. With Fried Catfish or Shrimp
If we’re feeling extra indulgent, we’ll pair Pastalaya with crispy fried seafood. That golden crunch next to creamy pasta? Absolute heaven.

9. With a Dash More Hot Sauce
Some days we like it mild, but other days we double down. A few extra shakes of hot sauce right before eating takes the heat up a notch.

10. As Leftovers the Next Day
We swear it tastes even better the next day. The pasta has soaked up all the flavors, and a quick reheat with a splash of broth makes it taste freshly made.

How to Store and Reheat This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.

FAQs on This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya that people often ask.

1. How long do you boil Pastalaya?

From our experience, the pasta in Pastalaya doesn’t get boiled separately. Instead, you add the raw pasta directly into the simmering sauce and bake it in the oven for about 1 hour. This method lets the pasta soak up all those rich flavors and cook perfectly without becoming mushy.

2. Who invented Pastalaya?

Pastalaya is a beloved Cajun twist on traditional jambalaya, swapping rice for pasta. While its exact origin is a bit fuzzy, it’s widely credited to Louisiana home cooks and chefs who wanted a creamy, comforting alternative. The Cajun Ninja popularized a fantastic version that’s become a favorite among Cajun food fans everywhere.

3. Can Pastalaya be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze Pastalaya! We’ve had great success freezing leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. When thawed, it retains its creamy, savory flavors surprisingly well.

4. How do you reheat Pastalaya?

Reheating Pastalaya gently is key. We recommend warming it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creaminess. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

5. Can I use different types of pasta for Pastalaya?

Absolutely! While bow-tie pasta is classic, we’ve used penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni with great results. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta shape and size.

6. What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Smoked Andouille sausage is our go-to because it adds authentic smoky flavor and spice. But if you can’t find Andouille, smoked kielbasa or any spicy smoked sausage will work well too.

7. Is Pastalaya spicy?

The spice level depends on your seasoning choices. The Creole seasoning and hot sauce add a nice kick, but you can adjust the heat by using milder or hotter sauces based on your preference. We like a good medium spice that balances the creamy sauce.

8. Can I make Pastalaya vegetarian?

You can! Swap the meats for hearty veggies like mushrooms, extra bell peppers, and plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water and skip the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian-friendly version.

9. How thick is the sauce in Pastalaya?

The sauce is creamy but not too thick. It’s designed to coat the pasta and meats well, creating a slightly saucy but comforting texture – perfect for spooning up every bit.

10. Do I need to stir the Pastalaya while it’s baking?

No stirring is needed once it’s in the oven. Just make sure to mix everything well before baking and pat the pasta down so it’s submerged in the liquid. Let the oven do its magic for that perfect tender pasta and savory sauce.

The Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe delivers everything you love about Louisiana cooking – smoky meats, bold seasonings, creamy pasta, and slow-simmered vegetables – all in one pot. It’s the perfect comfort dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Give this recipe a try, and let the Cajun flavors fill your kitchen. Bon appétit, y’all – and don’t forget to share your Pastalaya creations with friends and family!

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