Description
This Cajun Ninja Crawfish Fettuccine is a rich and flavorful dish that combines succulent crawfish with creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine. With a hint of spice, smokiness, and creaminess, this dish is a fantastic way to showcase the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe delivers both comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb crawfish tails (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or crawfish stock if available)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to toast in the pan for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the crawfish tails to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until heated through.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute crawfish with shrimp or chicken if crawfish is unavailable.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce simmer longer or add a little more cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg