Crawfish Fettuccine in cream sauce

Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern
Category: Main Course

Introduction

Crawfish Fettuccine in Cream Sauce is a luxurious, flavor-packed pasta dish rooted in Louisiana Cajun cuisine. Combining succulent crawfish tails with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this recipe brings a rich, Southern comfort food experience to your table. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish stands out with bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of Cajun spice.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta

• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Crawfish Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound crawfish tails (preferably Louisiana crawfish, peeled and cooked)

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, to brighten the dish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.

2. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10–12 minutes).

3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set pasta aside, tossing it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, just until fragrant.

3. Season and Add Crawfish

1. Add crawfish tails to the pan and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Stir well to coat the crawfish and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

1. Sprinkle the flour over the crawfish and vegetables, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This helps thicken the sauce.

2. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6–8 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Add a splash of lemon juice to enhance brightness (optional but recommended).

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked fettuccine to the pan with the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and coat each strand.

2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

3. Cook for 2–3 more minutes over low heat to let the flavors combine.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.

2. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few whole crawfish tails on top for presentation if desired.

Intensity & Cooking Tips

• Intensity Level: Moderate

  • This recipe is not overly complex but requires attention during sauce-making and seasoning. It’s ideal for cooks who have basic kitchen experience and want to elevate their seafood dishes.

• Flavor Profile:

  • Rich, creamy, slightly spicy with a peppery Cajun kick.

  • Balanced by sweet crawfish and aromatic vegetables.

Tips for Success:

• Use Quality Crawfish: Fresh or frozen Louisiana crawfish is ideal. Avoid imported varieties if possible, as they can lack flavor.

• Do Not Overcook Crawfish: Crawfish tails are already cooked when packaged, so overcooking can make them rubbery.

• Balance the Spice: Start light on the Cajun seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat, then adjust gradually.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 560 kcal

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 30g

  • Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Sugar: 5g

  • Fiber: 3g

• Cholesterol: 165mg

• Sodium: 780mg

• Calcium: 240mg

• Iron: 3mg

• Vitamin A: 1050 IU

• Vitamin C: 18mg

Serving Suggestions

Pair this indulgent crawfish pasta with:

• Side: A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette or Caesar salad.

• Bread: Garlic bread or a warm French baguette to mop up the sauce.

• Drink: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea with lemon.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving crawfish, as it can become rubbery.

Customize Your Dish

• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a deep umami flavor.

• Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Swap the Pasta: Try it with linguine or penne for variety.

• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter.

Why You’ll Love Crawfish Fettuccine in Cream Sauce

This dish blends the soul of Southern cooking with the finesse of Italian-style pasta. It’s decadent enough for special occasions but simple enough for a weekend treat. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the perfectly seasoned crawfish, every bite is an experience of Cajun comfort food at its best.