Description
This creamy, dreamy Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat brings the festive spirit to your table with its zesty Cajun spices and rich cream sauce. Packed with vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine, it’s a showstopper that’s easy to make. Perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish allows for customization with your favorite proteins or seasonal veggies, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. Enjoy a taste of Mardi Gras with every bite!
Ingredients
- Pasta (Fettuccine or Linguine)
- Chicken (or Shrimp), shredded or diced
- Cajun Seasoning
- Heavy Cream
- Bell Peppers (Red and Green), chopped
- Onion, diced finely
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable Broth
- Parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in chopped bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add your protein of choice—diced chicken or shrimp—to the skillet.
- Season generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook until the protein is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes for chicken or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the vegetable broth.
- Stir well to combine and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Notes
Storage: Once cooled, store any leftover Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately.
Reheating: To reheat, transfer the pasta to a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to help loosen the sauce, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered with a damp paper towel, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed.
Serving: Serve the Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal. For an extra kick, consider offering additional Cajun seasoning or hot sauce on the side.
Chef’s Tip: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken or shrimp in Cajun seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will intensify the dish’s flavor profile. Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0