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Savory Jambalaya Pasta Bake with Andouille Sausage

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A comforting and flavorful pasta bake combining smoky andouille sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and melted cheese for an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced (link-style preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or green onions, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne or rigatoni and cook until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
  6. Add cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir until well mixed and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve with hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; cook al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Brown sausage well for smoky flavor. Drain diced tomatoes to avoid watery bake. Use sharp cheddar for tang and mozzarella for stretchiness. Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast before bubbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: jambalaya, pasta bake, andouille sausage, Cajun, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, spicy sausage

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-jambalaya-pasta-bake-with-andouille-sausage-easy-recipe-for-dinner/