Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp and crab with a Cajun twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. I always save a small splash of pasta water—it can help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it softens. Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. The smell at this point is incredible—warm, savory, and slightly sweet.
- Cook the shrimp – Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and tender.
- Build the creamy sauce – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently and allow the mixture to simmer for about 4–5 minutes so the flavors combine and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the crab and cheese – Fold in the lump crab meat carefully so the pieces stay intact. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine with pasta – Add the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. This is the moment when Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta truly comes together.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Pair with a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors.
- This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg