Real Cajun Pastalaya
This is one of our favorite "go to" meals here in our south Louisiana home. It's a modern twist on traditional jambalaya where we use pasta instead of rice. This is a basic recipe that is very versatile, so the combinations are many. I prefer penne pasta, but you can use any pasta from spaghetti, fettuccine, rotini, elbow; regular, flavored (spinach/ tomato pasta, for example) wheat... really, ANY pasta. The protein can be varied as well; I use rotisserie chicken because I like the flavor it gives it. You may use 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts. NOTE: when using chicken breasts, brown them in a skillet whole and cube them after. Other proteins can be added, I usually use more than one. Our local favorites: crawfish, shrimp, and alligator work well. For sausage I use Andouille, but you can use any smoked sausage, tasso, or whatever is local for you... I've done it with kielbasa too. You can even throw some BACON in if you'd like. This dish is the epitome of "versatile." I don't think I've cooked it the same twice. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
