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Rainforest Cafe Pastalaya Recipe

Rainforest Cafe Pastalaya Recipe

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a dish that’s both flavorful and unique? Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has captivated hearts and taste buds alike: Rainforest Cafe Pastalaya.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Rainforest Cafe Pastalaya Recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 742kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  •  large skillet
  • Tablespoon 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked and drained linguine pasta
  • 20 medium shrimp with tails removed
  • 2 ounces diced chicken breast
  • 2 ounces sliced cooked andouille sausage
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped roma tomato
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions
  • Seafood broth as needed
  • Cajun spice blend to taste
  • Creole Butter Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Let’s start by prepping all our ingredients. Dice the chicken, slice the sausage, and get those shrimp peeled and ready. Also, chop your veggies—bell pepper, red onion, roma tomato, and scallions.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

  • Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Ensure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.

Step 3: Sear The Meats

  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sear the andouille sausage until it starts to brown. Remove and set aside. Lastly, in the same skillet, cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté The Vegetables

  • Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the green bell pepper, red onion, and roma tomato. Sauté until they start to soften, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Make The Creole Butter Sauce

  • To the same skillet, add the softened butter. Once it begins to melt, add in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ground cayenne, black pepper, thyme, oregano, sea salt, crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon zest. Stir this blend until the butter is fully melted and all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

  • Pour in a splash of seafood broth to the skillet to help incorporate all the flavors. Now, add back the cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, and pasta. Toss well, making sure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Simmer

  • Let it simmer for a few minutes for all the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a bit more seafood broth.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to make sure it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • Sear Meats Separately: Searing the meats separately helps in evenly cooking them and bringing out their best flavors.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest possible ingredients, especially the shrimp and chicken, for a better taste.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the Cajun spice blend according to your heat preference.
  • Prep Ahead: You can prep the ingredients in advance, making the assembly quicker and easier.

Nutrition

Calories: 742kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!