Cajun Ninja Pastalaya Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

Welcome to the world of deliciousness! Today, we’re diving into the realm of Cajun cuisine with the amazing Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe. 

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and hearty meals, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. 

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that brings the flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

What is Cajun Ninja Pastalaya?

The Cajun Ninja is a popular cooking personality on social media platforms, especially YouTube, known for creating Cajun and Creole-inspired recipes. One of his most popular items is Cajun Ninja Pastalaya. 

It is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, Pastalaya. It’s a combination of Cajun seasonings, chicken, sausage, and pasta that creates a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and is full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya?

If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy meal that requires minimal prep time, then this Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe is for you. It’s a combination of spicy Cajun flavors, chicken, sausage, and pasta that creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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The Ingredients

This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe is packed with delicious ingredients that create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Spicy Italian Pork Sausage: Adds depth of flavor and a spicy kick to the dish.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh Fillets: Offer a rich, tender texture and absorb the flavors of the spices and other ingredients well.
• Louisiana Crawfish Tails: Introduce a unique seafood flavor and texture, a signature element in Cajun cuisine.
• Jumbo Gulf Shrimp: Adds sweetness and a seafood taste, contributing to the dish’s richness.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together, adding a comforting element to the dish.
• Vidalia Onions: Impart sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish when caramelized or sautéed.
• Fresh Green Bell Pepper: Adds a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor to complement the spicier elements.
• Scallions (Green Onions): Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the dish’s overall taste.
• Stalks of Celery: Adds a subtle earthy taste and crunchiness to the dish.
• Tangy Hot Sauce: Infuses heat and tangy flavor, enhancing the spiciness of the dish.
• Aldi’s Minced Garlic: Adds depth and aroma, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Beef Bouillon Cubes: Enhances the savory taste and richness of the dish.
• Cajun Spice Blend: Provides the characteristic Cajun flavors, including a blend of herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and more.
• Crisco’s Refined Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing and cooking the ingredients, adding necessary fats for flavor and preventing sticking.
• Barilla’s Farfalle Pasta: Serves as the base of the dish, absorbing flavors and providing a hearty element.
• Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce: Adds color and depth to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and savory taste.

Directions

Making this Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe is easy and only requires a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Prep the Vegetables:
  • Dice the sweet Vidalia onions, green bell peppers, scallions, and celery into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors.
• Prepare the Meats:
  • Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets into bite-sized pieces. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
  • Peel and devein the jumbo Gulf shrimp. Removing the shells and veins enhances the texture and presentation of the dish.
• Organize Additional Ingredients:
  • Keep the crawfish tails and spicy Italian pork sausage ready. Having ingredients prepped and nearby streamlines the cooking process.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Meats

• Heat the Pot:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Proper heating ensures effective searing of the meats.
• Sear the Sausage:
  • Add the spicy Italian pork sausage to the heated pot and cook until it’s nicely browned. Once done, remove and set it aside. This step enhances the sausage’s flavor.
• Sear the Chicken:
  • Season the chicken thigh fillets with a Cajun spice blend for added flavor. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pot and sear the chicken until it achieves a golden brown color. Once done, remove and set aside with the sausage.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics and Vegetables

• Heat Oil and Saute:
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pot.
  • Saute the diced onions, green bell peppers, celery, scallions, and minced garlic. Cook until they soften and become fragrant, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Create the Base

• Combine Ingredients:
  • Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot with the sauteed vegetables.
  • Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, dissolved beef bouillon cubes, and Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce. These ingredients form the flavorful base of the dish.

Step 5: Simmer and Flavor

• Lower Heat and Simmer:
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering process helps meld the flavors together, creating a rich and complex taste.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

• Prepare Barilla’s Farfalle Pasta:
  • In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches the desired tenderness. Drain and set it aside for later use.

Step 7: Add Seafood and Final Seasoning

• Incorporate Seafood:
  • Once the mixture has simmered, add the Louisiana crawfish tails and jumbo Gulf shrimp to the pot.
  • Season with Tangy Hot Sauce to taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve the desired level of spiciness and flavor.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Mix Pasta with Sauce:
  • Gently fold the cooked pasta into the Cajun meat and seafood mixture, ensuring that the sauce coats the pasta evenly. This step integrates the flavors throughout the dish.

Step 9: Serve

• Allow Flavors to Meld:
  • Let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the flavors to meld further and enhances the overall taste.
• Garnish and Serve:
  • Optionally, garnish with additional chopped scallions for added freshness and presentation.
  • Serve the dish hot and enjoy the flavorful Cajun pasta with a variety of meats and seafood.

Notes

Here are a few tips to make sure your Cajun Ninja Pastalaya turns out perfect every time:

• Use good quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
• Make sure the rice is cooked through before serving.
• If you like a spicier dish, you can add more cayenne pepper.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or squash.
• You can also add cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the dish.

Storage Tips

This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe is a great source of protein and is also low in fat. Here’s the breakdown:

Calories: 285
Fat: 9g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe is delicious served on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

Salad – Serve the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya with a green salad for a light and healthy meal.

Bread – Serve the dish with a crusty loaf of bread for a heartier meal.

Rice – Serve the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya over cooked white or brown rice for a filling meal.

Vegetables – Serve the dish with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.

Fruit – Top the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya with your favorite fruit for a sweet and tangy contrast.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cajun Ninja Pastalaya?

If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, there are several substitutions that you can make. Here are some ideas:

Chicken– If you don’t have chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.

Sausage – If you don’t have smoked sausage, you can use Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground beef.

Onion – If you don’t have an onion, you can use a shallot or 1/2 cup of diced celery instead.

Bell Peppers – If you don’t have bell peppers, you can use diced carrots or frozen corn instead.

Garlic Powder– If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic instead.

Smoked Paprika – If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika instead.

Cayenne Pepper – If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can use red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder instead.

Herb – If you don’t have oregano and thyme, you can use Italian seasoning instead.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cajun Ninja Pastalaya ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

2. Can I freeze Cajun Ninja Pastalaya?

Yes, you can freeze the Cajun Ninja Pastalaya in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. What can I use instead of chicken?

If you don’t have chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.

4. Is Cajun Ninja Pastalaya gluten-free?

Yes, this Cajun Ninja Pastalaya recipe is gluten-free.

5. Can I make Cajun Ninja Pastalaya vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and sausage and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or squash.

6. How can I make Cajun Ninja Pastalaya spicier?

If you like a spicier dish, you can add more cayenne pepper to the recipe. You can also add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes.

7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Conclusion

Making Cajun Ninja Pastalaya is a flavorful and easy adventure in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a delicious dish that captures the essence of Cajun cuisine. 

Whether you’re a cooking novice or an experienced chef, this recipe offers a tasty way to bring a bit of Louisiana flair to your table. 

So, gather your ingredients, follow the Cajun Ninja’s lead, and enjoy a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds and impress your family and friends.

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