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Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe

I first saw Stalekracker making this big, bold pastalaya and I had to try it. This creamy, cheesy Cajun pasta blends smoked sausage, chicken, and beef with the classic Cajun "holy trinity and a Velveeta forward sauce that soaks into penne or rigatoni. It’s rich, smoky, and a little spicy a true one-pot crowd pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Smoked sausage Andouille recommended; sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs or breasts cut into small chunks (thighs stay juicier)
  • ½ lb Beef stew meat Chuck or stew meat cut into small chunks
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 1 whole Bell pepper Diced green or red
  • 2 stalks Celery Chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 can 10 oz Rotel tomatoes With green chilies
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For the rich sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Adds body to the sauce
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese Cubed for smooth melting
  • 4 oz Cream cheese Adds extra creaminess
  • 1 lb Pasta Penne or rigatoni works best
  • 2 –3 tbsp Cajun seasoning To taste; adjust based on brand heat level
  • to taste
  • Salt & black pepper To taste
  • 1 –2 tbsp Cooking oil For browning meats

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven For cooking everything together; big enough for 1 lb pasta and meats
  • 1 Wooden spoon Helps stir without scratching the pot
  • 1 Knife & Cutting Board For chopping meat and veggies
  • 1 Measuring cups & spoons To get the right amounts
  • 1 Colander For draining the pasta

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook 8–10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water. Set pasta aside.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
  1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add smoked sausage and brown on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  1. In the same pot, add chicken pieces, season with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and brown until cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove and set aside with the sausage.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 4: Brown the Beef
  1. Add the beef to the pot, season with additional Cajun seasoning, and brown on all sides (6–8 minutes). If beef seems tough, add a splash of chicken broth, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes until tender.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add minced garlic in the last minute and sauté briefly.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 6: Add Tomatoes & Liquids
  1. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with their juices, then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 7: Melt the Cheeses
  1. Reduce heat to low and add cubed Velveeta and cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce (about 5 minutes). Be patient and keep heat low to avoid separation.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 8: Combine Meats & Pasta
  1. Return the sausage and chicken to the pot, gently stirring to coat. Add the cooked pasta and fold carefully so the pasta holds its shape. Simmer together ~5 minutes so the pasta absorbs sauce. If sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water or extra broth.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe
Step 9: Season & Serve
  1. Taste and add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. The cheese will thicken as it cools, so serve promptly.
    Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe

Notes

  • I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk, chicken broth, or reserved pasta water to bring back creaminess.
  • To freeze: cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Variations: swap beef for shrimp for a seafood pastalaya, or use whole wheat pasta and leaner sausage for a lighter version.
  • Tips: don’t overcook pasta; brown meats thoroughly for deep flavor; add Cajun seasoning gradually — brands vary in salt/heat.