Jambalya Pasta

Semolina's in New Orleans is one of my favorites. This establishment makes just about any dish you can think of with different shapes of pasta. Every meal is a winner. All of their pasta is made on premises using Semolina flour. If you're ever in New Orleans and want to eat where the locals eat and avoid the over-priced tourist traps, give Semolina's a try.



Semolina's inspired this dish and in no way can it compare to their excellent cuisine. Give this one a try because it hits the mark of being very good and a snap to prepare.




Jambalaya Pasta - Heat a pot of water to a boil for 1 lb. of penne rigate pasta and add salt to it then pasta. Cook to al-dente about 9 minutes and drain.

While pasta is boiling, heat a heavy pot over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of butter butter and 1 lb. andouille sausage if available or a good smoked sausage.

Brown the sausage about 10 minutes to render the fat.

Remove with a slotted spoon to drain fat. Add 4 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 poblano pepper seeded and sliced thin (or you can use a jalapeno), 1 red or orange bell pepper seeded and chopped, 2 ribs of celery chopped 1 onion chopped.

Saute the veggies for 7 to 8 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper and add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pot. Cook flour with veggies 4 minutes more stirring constantly so flour doesn't stick and burn.

Add 1 cup of chicken stock, one 14 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoons of Louisiana Hot Sauce and 1 tablespoons dried thyme leaves.

Bring liquid to a bubble and add reserved sausage and 1/2 pound of peeled shrimp.

Cook 6 to 7 minutes until shrimp are opaque and firm. Stirring occasionally, then add in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Ladle up the jambalaya pasta and top with chopped scallions.

How can this be bad on a Wednesday night?

Reality field trip.

I don't put my dirty pots and pans on a tray and slide them under the counter for the "crew" to wash for me after "the show". Just keepin' it real!