Description
Discover how to make a creamy and spicy Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe with tender crawfish tails, rich Cajun spices, and luscious cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a celebration of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb fresh or frozen crawfish tails (thawed if frozen)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for added depth)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Crawfish Tails
- If using frozen crawfish tails, rinse them under cold water to remove excess ice and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the onions and garlic evenly. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or white wine). Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add Crawfish Tails
- Gently stir in the crawfish tails and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the crawfish fettuccine to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute cayenne with smoked paprika.
- Shrimp can be used as a substitute for crawfish if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe, Cajun pasta recipe, seafood pasta, creamy crawfish pasta, crawfish tail dishes