Hearty Pasta Jambalaya with Vegan Sausage

Here's one of my favorite uses for vegan sausage. This hearty Creole-flavored Pasta Jambalaya recipe makes a dish full of bold flavor. If you have more time, make a pan of vegan corn bread—a wonderful addition to this meal, as is Creole Coleslaw. 

Hearty Pasta Jambalaya with Vegan Sausage

Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne, cavatappi, or gemelli, preferably whole grain)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• ½ medium bell pepper, any color
• 2 links vegan sausage, sliced no thicker than ½ inch (Tofurky and Field Roast are both good brands)
• 1 (15–16 oz) can diced tomatoes (try fire-roasted)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• cayenne pepper or dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste
• salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced, or more to taste
• fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, as desired

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet or stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent.
3. Add the garlic, celery, bell pepper, and sausage; continue to sauté until all the vegetables are lightly browned.
4. Add the tomatoes, paprika, and thyme. Continue to cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked pasta. Season with cayenne or red pepper fakes, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir in the fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish if you'd like; then serve.

More

• Here are more vegan sausage recipes.
• Here are more hearty vegan pasta recipes.
• Find more of VegKitchen’s Vegan Dinner Recipes andPasta Entrées.