Description
Mardi Gras Pasta is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish combining succulent shrimp, smoked sausage, crawfish, and a creamy, spicy tomato sauce tossed with linguine. This 45-minute recipe brings the rich tastes of New Orleans to your kitchen with a perfect balance of spices, fresh vegetables, and creamy textures for a festive and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 1 lb colossal sized shrimp
- 8 oz smoked sausage
- 12 oz crawfish tail meat
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 diced onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Pantry Ingredients and Spices
- 1 package linguine pasta
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: Peel and devein the raw shrimp. Season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and paprika.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook 1-2 minutes per side until sausage is browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the skillet, add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, chopped mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the juice of half a lemon and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in crushed tomatoes and heavy whipping cream. Season with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Add Crawfish and Simmer: Add the crawfish tail meat to the sauce and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the cooked shrimp and browned sausage. Optionally, sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- If desired, substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- The dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to prevent sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole