Mardi Gras Pasta Recipe
If you want to bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans right to your dinner table, Mardi Gras Pasta is the way to do it! This unforgettable recipe blends juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender crawfish, and a creamy, Cajun-spiced tomato sauce that hugs every strand of linguine. With its bold colors, robust flavors, and plenty of Southern flair, Mardi Gras Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for a festive weeknight feast or impressing your friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Mardi Gras Pasta is half the fun, and these staples are easy to find but truly essential. Each one adds a special touch, from the depth of the sauce to the zing of the Cajun seasoning. Let’s break down how every item plays its part in building bold layers of flavor and color.
- Colossal Sized Shrimp: These meaty, sweet bites are the star protein and elevate every forkful to indulgent heights.
- Smoked Sausage: Adds a smoky depth and a little spicy kick, balancing the richness of the sauce perfectly.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides luscious body, turning your tomato base into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation for the sauce, adding brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Chopped Mushrooms: Offer earthy flavor and absorb all those Cajun spices like a dream.
- Crawfish Tail Meat: Infuses the pasta with authentic Louisiana flair and a briny sweetness.
- Linguine Pasta: The ideal pasta shape for soaking up every drop of that creamy, spicy sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Boosts the savory background notes and brings the whole dish together.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor without overpowering the fresh stuff.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory depth, giving the sauce body and warmth.
- Paprika: For a smoky, slightly sweet undertone and a hint of color.
- Cajun Seasoning: The magic behind that unmistakable Mardi Gras kick—spicy, bold, and herby.
- Butter: Adds a richness and helps caramelize the sausage and shrimp.
- Diced Green Bell Pepper: Brings color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
- Diced Onion (Half): A building block for the sauce, adding sweetness and savoriness.
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon: Brightens up the dish and balances out the creamy elements.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
How to Make Mardi Gras Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the linguine pasta according to the package directions. This gives you the perfect texture—al dente, so it can hold up to the hearty sauce and all the goodies we’re about to pile on!
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Peeled and deveined shrimp are best here. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, half the Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Give those shrimp a good toss so every bite pops with flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Melt a little butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Scoop them out and set aside—you’ll want to snack on one, but try to resist!
Step 4: Brown the Sausage
Add another dab of butter to the same skillet. Throw in the sliced smoked sausage and let it sizzle for about 1-2 minutes per side until it’s beautifully browned. Scoop this out and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 5: Cook the Veggies
Next up: add your diced onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes. You’re building the flavorful base here, so don’t rush this step!
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and give everything a good stir. This brightens the flavors and keeps the sauce balanced and fresh.
Step 7: Create the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy whipping cream, then stir well. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Next, gently fold in the crawfish tails, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes utterly irresistible.
Step 8: Combine with Pasta
When your sauce is thick and rich, add the cooked linguine straight into the skillet. Toss it well until every strand is gloriously coated with that Mardi Gras Pasta goodness.
Step 9: Assemble and Top
Spoon the shrimp and sausage over the pasta, giving your dish maximum visual appeal and flavor in every bite. If you’re feeling extra fancy (and why not?), sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Your Mardi Gras Pasta is ready for the spotlight! Serve it up with your favorite garlic bread and let the celebration begin.
How to Serve Mardi Gras Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra Cajun seasoning, or a smattering of parmesan cheese takes Mardi Gras Pasta over the top. For a pop of color, try some sliced green onions or even a dash of hot sauce if you like a touch more heat.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Mardi Gras Pasta quite like a basket of warm, buttery garlic bread or a crusty French baguette for soaking up that amazing sauce. Pair with a crisp, tangy salad—think arugula and citrus vinaigrette—to balance out the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a true Mardi Gras vibe, serve your pasta in colorful bowls or on a platter lined with purple, green, and gold napkins. Individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets make it feel fancy for a dinner party, or go family-style by piling everything onto a large platter for guests to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Mardi Gras Pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish also freezes surprisingly well. Portion your leftovers into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is classic for Mardi Gras Pasta, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would soak up the sauce just as well. Use whatever you have on hand or love most.
What can I substitute for crawfish?
If crawfish is hard to find, you can swap in extra shrimp or even lump crab meat. Both make excellent substitutes and keep the spirit of the dish alive.
Is Mardi Gras Pasta spicy?
Mardi Gras Pasta has a pleasant, moderate kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and smoked sausage. If you prefer it milder, go easy on the Cajun seasoning, or ramp it up with extra for a bolder bite!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or an unsweetened non-dairy creamer. The texture and flavor will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
What proteins can I use if I don’t eat seafood?
If you’re skipping seafood, substitute chicken breast or thighs, and toss in some extra sausage for a hearty, satisfying Mardi Gras Pasta everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s fun, flavorful, and full of Southern spirit, you honestly can’t go wrong with Mardi Gras Pasta. It’s a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, and every bite brings you closer to the revelry of New Orleans. So gather your loved ones, whip up this festive favorite, and let the good times roll right at your table!
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Mardi Gras Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Mardi Gras with this rich and creamy pasta dish featuring shrimp, sausage, and a decadent Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for a festive dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb colossal sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Sausage:
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
Sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 12 oz crawfish tail meat
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 diced onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Other:
- 1 package of linguine pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Prepare linguine pasta according to package directions.
- Season Shrimp: Season shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Shrimp: Cook seasoned shrimp in 1 tbsp of butter until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Brown sliced sausage in 1 tbsp of butter. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Cook onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic until soft.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in lemon juice, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and crawfish. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta into the sauce.
- Assemble: Top with shrimp and sausage. Optionally, garnish with parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy with garlic bread.
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh to enjoy the flavors at their peak.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (estimated)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: Mardi Gras Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
