Indulge in the Magic of Mardi Gras with Pappadeaux’s Mardi Gras Pasta Recipe!

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a renowned culinary institution. It has been delighting seafood lovers and enthusiasts of Cajun-Creole cuisine for decades. This food chain was Established in 1976. Primarily it was only based in Houston, Texas.  They have made a significant mark on the culinary scene, offering a rich variety of flavors inspired by the vibrant culture of Louisiana. Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta is one of their classic recipes. This dish is a flavorful medley of linguine pasta, succulent seafood, and a creamy tomato sauce. It will definitely transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana.

How to make Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Recipe Overview:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

In this recipe, we’ll be cooking up a pound of linguine pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Meanwhile, we’ll sauté andouille sausage to infuse a smoky Cajun flavor, then add succulent crawfish tails, plump shrimp, and colorful bell peppers for that signature Mardi Gras vibrancy. All of this goodness will be bathed in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, seasoned with herbs and spices for an unforgettable taste sensation.

Ingredients details:

• Linguine Pasta: Linguine is a flat and narrow pasta. It is used as the base for this dish.
• Andouille Sausage: Andouille sausage has a smoky and spicy flavor. This sausage adds a distinct Cajun flair and depth to the dish.
• Crawfish Tails: Succulent crawfish tails bring a taste of the Louisiana bayou.
• Shrimp: Try to pick some plump shrimp. Peeled shrimp will provide a delightful oceanic essence to the dish.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, and Red Bell Pepper: This trio of colorful vegetables will infuse the dish with layers of flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth and aromatic complexity to any dish. It will enhance the overall profile of the pasta.
• Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: A combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce forms the base of the creamy tomato sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream enriches the sauce. It creates a luxurious and velvety texture that coats the pasta and seafood.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, salty, and slightly tangy taste. Parmesan Cheese enhances the creaminess and provides a savory punch.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, and Black Pepper: These seasonings and spices come together to infuse the dish with a well-balanced blend of flavors.

Tools and Equipment:

To make the Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools and equipment:

• Large Pot: You’ll need a large pot to boil the linguine pasta until it’s al dente. Make sure it’s big enough to comfortably hold the pasta and water.
• Strainer: To drain the cooked pasta effectively, you’ll need a colander or strainer.
• Large Skillet: To sauté the andouille sausage, seafood, and vegetables. A non-stick skillet is ideal for this recipe.
• Saucepan: A saucepan is essential for preparing the creamy tomato sauce. It should be large enough to hold the sauce ingredients without overflowing.
• Serving Bowl: You’ll need a large serving bowl to toss and combine the cooked pasta, sausage, seafood, and sauce.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onions, bell peppers, and garlic, you’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are important in cooking, so have measuring cups and spoons on hand for the various ingredients, including spices.
• Stirring Utensils: You’ll need utensils like a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and tossing the ingredients as you cook.
• Can Opener: To open the cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Grater: For grating Parmesan cheese, if not using pre-grated cheese.
• Whisk: A whisk is handy for combining the heavy cream and sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Tongs: Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the shrimp and crawfish while they cook.
• Serving Utensils: To dish out the finished pasta onto plates or into bowls.
• Optional tools:
  • Garlic Press
  • Cooking Thermometer

Having these kitchen tools and equipment ready will make the cooking process for Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta much smoother and enjoyable.

Ingredients with measurements:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound crawfish tails, cooked and peeled
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preparing the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.

Sautéing the Andouille Sausage:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the andouille sausage slices.
• Sauté for about 5 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned.
• Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Creating the Seafood Medley:

• In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if needed.
• Then toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper and minced garlic.
• Sauté until the vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
• Add the cooked crawfish tails and shrimp to the skillet.
• Cook for around 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
• Then set this medley aside.

Crafting the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Mix heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper and keep stirring.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens.

Bringing It All Together:

• Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed andouille sausage, and the seafood medley in a large serving bowl.
• Pour the creamy tomato sauce over the top. Toss everything together until it’s well-coated.

Complimentary Side Dishes and Beverages:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Include ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced avocado.

• Garlic Bread or French Baguette: Serve slices of warm garlic bread or a crusty French baguette on the side.

• Coleslaw: A light and tangy coleslaw, with its crispness and acidity, can balance the richness of the pasta and add a delightful crunch to your meal.

• Fruit Salad: A fruit salad featuring citrus segments, berries, and tropical fruits can offer a refreshing and sweet compliment to the savory pasta.

• Creole or Cajun-Inspired Appetizers: To embrace the theme of Cajun-Creole cuisine, consider starting your meal with appetizers like gumbo, jambalaya, or spicy crab cakes.

• Beer: A light lager or a wheat beer works nicely with the spicy andouille sausage and Cajun-inspired flavors of the pasta.

• Iced Tea or Lemonade: You can go for Iced tea or lemonade as a non-alcoholic option.

Your choice of pairings depends on your personal preferences. Feel free to mix and match. Create a balanced and enjoyable meal that suits your taste.

Nutritional Value (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

Calories: 820 kcal

Carbohydrates: 62g

Protein: 46g

Fat: 45g

Saturated Fat: 23g

Cholesterol: 315mg

Fiber: 6g

Sugars: 11g

Sodium: 1260mg

Also Read: Franklin BBQ Brisket Recipe

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While linguine works beautifully, you can certainly use your favorite pasta shape.

What can I substitute for crawfish?

You can replace crawfish with more shrimp or even crab meat.

Is this dish very spicy?

The cayenne pepper gives the dish a spicy flavor, but you can adjust it to your taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

What’s a good side dish for this pasta?

A simple green salad and crusty French bread make excellent companions.

Conclusion:

This Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta is a delightful homage to the flavors of the bayou, combining the best of Cajun and Creole cuisine. It’s a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or any day you’re craving a taste of the Deep South. So, put on your chef’s hat, and let the good times roll with this mouthwatering masterpiece!