Description

Mardi Gras Pasta is a decadent and flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring colossal shrimp, smoked sausage, crawfish tails, and a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. This hearty pasta combines the richness of heavy cream and the zest of Cajun seasonings, balanced with fresh vegetables and linguine, making it a perfect celebration meal reminiscent of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festivities.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Seafood & Meat

1 lb colossal sized shrimp
8 oz smoked sausage
12 oz crawfish tail meat

Vegetables & Aromatics

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1 diced green bell pepper
1/2 diced onion
1 tbsp minced garlic
juice of 1/2 lemon

Dairy

2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp butter

Pantry & Spices

1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 package linguine pasta
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season Shrimp: Peel and devein the raw shrimp. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and paprika evenly.
Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until fully cooked and pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook Sausage: Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, chopped mushrooms, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the juice of half a lemon and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
Make Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add Crawfish & Simmer: Stir in the crawfish tail meat. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the cooked shrimp and browned sausage slices. Optionally, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve with garlic bread and enjoy this rich, festive dish!

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for milder or more intense heat.
Use fresh seafood for best flavor, but frozen shrimp and crawfish work well when thawed properly.
Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds a nice savory finish.
Ensure not to overcook the pasta or shrimp to maintain texture and tenderness.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat gently on the stove.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 220mg