Delicious Crawfish & Shrimp Pasta with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Welcome, foodies and party enthusiasts! I am excited to share with you my latest obsession – Rich and Creamy Crawfish or Shrimp Pasta with Cheese Sauce Recipe.
If there is anything that screams southern comfort food, it is a bowl of succulent shrimp or crawfish pasta drenched in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe combines crawfish or shrimp pasta with a delicious cheese sauce made from the perfect blend of milk, cream cheese, butter, and parmesan cheese.
The creaminess of this dish is unparalleled, and the crawfish or shrimp adds flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance in delight. Every bite of this easy-to-make pasta recipe packs a punch of flavor that’ll leave your guests licking their plates clean.
Whether you are planning for Mardi Gras or any party gathering, this pasta dish will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also perfect for cozy family meals or nights in when you want something comforting yet comforting-rich.
Stay tuned and let’s dive into how to become a master chef in your own kitchen with this decadent seafood pasta recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies and pasta lovers, because I have a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. I present to you, the all-time favorite Rich & Creamy Crawfish or Shrimp Pasta with Cheese Sauce Recipe! This is not just any pasta recipe, but it’s rich and creamy and packed with succulent seafood that will melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked!
What makes this recipe so irresistible is the combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender crawfish or shrimp. It’s hearty, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying! You won’t be able to resist the tempting aroma of fresh seafood blended perfectly with Cajun-spiced alfredo sauce.
But wait, my friends. There’s more to this dish that makes it irresistible – it’s incredibly easy to make! Yes, you heard me right. You don’t have to be a chef to whip up this masterpiece in your kitchen. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal ready for your family or guests!
So whether you’re craving shrimp or crawfish pasta, this recipe will hit the spot. And trust us when we say that your dinner guests will rave about it long after they leave your house. Ready to impress? Let’s get started!
Ingredient List
Let me start with the star of the show, the crawfish and shrimp which will give this pasta its succulent, seafood goodness. You will need 1lb of fresh, cleaned crawfish or shrimp. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can always use frozen crawfish or shrimp that has been thawed out.Moving on, the pasta noodle options for this recipe are as follows: angel hair pasta, fettuccine, or another type of pasta like rotini – really, any pasta you prefer.
To make it savory, creamy, and oh-so-delectable, we will need several kinds of cheese: 4 oz of cream cheese, which provides a rich and tangy taste to the dish. Additionally, 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated) adds a bit of salty goodness while making the sauce thicker. I highly recommend trying 1 cup cajun cheddar cheese if you want to give your pasta a delicious spicy kick.
Now for the flavor-enhancing liquids. We will use 1 cup heavy cream to create a smooth and creamy sauce that perfectly complements everything else. Adding to that is 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk preferred), which contributes to the body of the sauce while cutting through some of the richness.
For extra depth in the flavor profile, we’ll add a few staples like 3 tbsp butter/margarine, some freshly chopped green onions, and plenty of flavorsome spices like 1 tsp salt & 2 tbsp cajun seasoning. These ingredients will elevate this dish from just another seafood pasta to something truly remarkable.
Here’s The Ingredient List In Summary:
– 1lb Fresh Shrimp or Crawfish
– Angel Hair Pasta/Kittenish Fettuccine/Rotini
– 4 oz Cream Cheese
– 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
– 1 Cup Cajun Cheddar Cheese
– 1 Cup Heavy Cream
– 1½ Cups Whole Milk
– 3 Tbsp Butter/Margarine
– Green Onions (Chopped)
– 2 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
– 1 Tsp Salt
The Recipe How-To
To make Creamy Crawfish or Shrimp Pasta, you will need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in one pound of angel hair pasta or any pasta of your choice and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add in three chopped green onions and sauté for about one minute.
Now add in one pound of shrimp or crawfish tails and cook until fully pink or till they are no longer translucent, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and transfer the seafood onto a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt another 1/2 cup of butter on medium-low heat setting. Once it starts to bubble, add in one block (8 oz) of cream cheese and stir continuously until it has melted completely.
Gradually pour in one cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add half teaspoon of garlic powder and half teaspoon of salt while you continue stirring.
Allow this mixture to simmer for about five minutes, as this thickens the sauce up nicely.
Next, add half cup of grated parmesan cheese into the skillet and stir gently and continuously until it’s fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients & Serve
Add your prepared seafood to the skillet, stir gently so that everything is coated with your creamy pasta sauce. Allow to sit for just another minute until everything is heated through evenly.
Finally, add in your cooked pasta into skillet and mix everything well with tongs.
Once every ingredient is thoroughly combined with sauce sprinkle with diced green onions on top for an extra burst freshness.
Serve hot with garlic bread or crusty loaf.
Enjoy pasta dishes during those special moments with close friends or family gatherings!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, there’s always room for experimentation, and this recipe is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations that I’ve tried out:
– Pasta: While angel hair pasta is the base in this recipe, you can substitute it with other pastas such as rotini pasta or egg noodles. Rotini pasta makes the sauce cling to it quite well while egg noodles add a unique texture.
– Dairy-Free Version: If you’re lactose intolerant or want to try a dairy-free version of the recipe, swap heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, cashew cream, or vegan cheese alternatives.
– Sausages: Adding smoked sausages will infuse your pasta with a spicy flavor — the perfect cajun twist to your meal.
– Wine Sauce: For an extra touch of elegance and richness to your shrimp pasta recipe, you can add wine sauce. Cooked with red or white wine till the sauce thickens can add an innovative flavor punch.
– Spice level: If you like things spicy, get ready for some heat! Increase the amount of cajun seasoning, add chopped jalapenos or habanero pepper sauce to give your dish some kick. And if you prefer spiciness kicked up a notch but balanced by something cool enough of a combo then go for adding sour cream or avocado garnish on top as well.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, you can customize this recipe however you like – cajun shrimp alfredo with sausage pasta? Creamy crawfish mac and cheese? Get creative in your kitchen and let your taste buds guide you.
Serving and Pairing
Listen, if you really want to impress your guests with this dish, it’s all about the pairings. This creamy crawfish or shrimp pasta is the star of the show, so you don’t want to overwhelm it with anything too bold. In terms of wine pairing, I like to stick with a nice crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. But if you are more of a red wine person, try going for a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
As for sides, keep it simple. A fresh green salad is always a great compliment to a rich pasta dish like this one. If you want something more substantial on the side, I would suggest sauteed veggies like asparagus or zucchini. The freshness of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the pasta.
If you’re making this dish for a party or gathering, I recommend serving it family-style in a large serving dish so everyone can help themselves. Don’t be surprised if your guests come back for seconds (or thirds) of this heavenly pasta dish.
Remember, life is too short for bad food and mediocre company. Keep it simple, but delicious – and this recipe will definitely be a crowd pleaser at any get-together!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about the make-ahead, storing, and reheating of this delicious rich and creamy crawfish or shrimp pasta dish.
Firstly, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta in a large skillet or pot over medium heat with a splash of milk until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by placing a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heating in 30-second intervals. Stirring in between to ensure that the pasta is evenly heated.
If you’re planning to make a larger batch for a party or gathering, you can also freeze this dish for future consumption. To do so, allow the crawfish or shrimp pasta to cool down completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to divide it into smaller portions so that it thaws more easily later on. Place it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen crawfish or shrimp pasta, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in your refrigerator before reheating it using either method mentioned above.
One thing worth noting is that the cream sauce may start to separate when reheated after being frozen. This can be resolved quickly by whisking it back together once heated through.
Overall, this recipe is fantastic for those who love to add convenience to their meals without sacrificing on taste. Whether you’re planning ahead for a busy weeknight dinner or unexpected guests pop by, this dish is sure to be enjoyed whenever and wherever!
Tips for Perfect Results
It’s not just about following the recipe, it’s about executing it perfectly to achieve the best results. Here are some tips to ensure that you create a rich and creamy pasta dish that will impress your guests.
1. Don’t overcook the seafood
Cooking seafood for too long can lead to a rubbery texture, and nobody wants that. When adding your crawfish or shrimp to the pan, make sure to cook them for only a few minutes until they turn pink.
2. Use Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is essential in achieving a rich and creamy sauce for this pasta recipe. Avoid using half-and-half or milk as these liquids will not give you the same luxurious texture.
3. Season well
Don’t forget to season your dish properly with salt and Cajun seasoning or any other preferred seasoning blend. The key is to ensure every layer of the dish is seasoned separately to get an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
4. Use fresh ingredients
For an outstanding flavor use fresh ingredients as far as possible; no processed cheese or frozen seafood, which can affect the overall taste of the dish.
5. Grate Cheese Freshly
Always grate parmesan cheese freshly instead of using ready-grated cheese from a store-bought bag, as pre-shredded cheese contains added stabilizers to maintain its texture for longer storage, which affects its meltability in sauces.
6. Cook Pasta Al Dente
Cook your pasta al dente as it will be tossed with some sauce and recooked later; cooking them fully will make them mushy when recooking with the sauce later on.
7. Thicken Sauce with Cream Cheese
To avoid curdling or breaking of cream-based sauces add cream cheese which acts as a stabilizer for the sauce preventing separation.
8. Cut down on spice by removing seeds from peppers
If you prefer less spiciness, remove seeds from peppers before use; Jalapeños & cayenne peppers’ heat lies mostly in their seeds.
Apply these tips when cooking this Rich & Creamy Crawfish or Shrimp Pasta w/ Cheese Sauce Recipe; you’ll achieve perfect results each time!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the details of this amazing recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give it a try. Trust me, you’ll love it! With rich and creamy sauces, delectable seafood options, and the perfect blend of spices, you’ll be transported straight to the heart of Louisiana.
Why settle for an average pasta meal when you can have one that is out of this world? From shrimp alfredo to crawfish monica, this recipe offers endless possibilities for your taste buds.
So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of this irresistible pasta recipe and impress your guests with its unique flavors and irresistibly rich cream sauce. And who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new favorite dish.
In conclusion, whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just want to enjoy a mouth-watering meal, this creamy crawfish or shrimp pasta with cheese sauce recipe is truly the way to go. You won’t regret trying it out and adding it to your list of go-to dishes. So head to the kitchen and get cooking- I promise you’ll be glad you did!
Rich & Creamy Crawfish or Shrimp Pasta W/ Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package frozen cooked crawfish, thawed (The crawfish can be substituted with 1 lb of shrimp, just make sure it is fully cooked)
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (Any cream soup will work, I prefer Campbell's cream of mushroom.)
- green onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 (6 ounce) package kraft garlic cheese rolls (looks like a sausage link, sometimes hard to find, can use garlic powder and Velveeta or similar)
- salt
- 1 (1 lb) package angel hair pasta or (1 lb) package other pastas
- 1/2-1 cup milk (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the green onions (as much as you like--I usually just use a handful).
- Open the cheese and slice it in as many pieces as possible so it can melt easily.
- Set onions and cheese aside separately.
- It is a good idea at this point to start a large pot of boiling water, and it should be boiling by the time the sauce is done.
- To make the sauce: Melt stick of butter in a large skillet on medium heat.
- Add chopped onions.
- Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions look nicely cooked.
- Add the package of crawfish and let simmer for another few minutes.
- Add the cheese, and once it has started to melt, add the can of soup.
- Dash of salt if desired.
- You can turn the heat up to medium hi.
- Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted.
- If it is too thick, milk can be added to thin it out.
- Cover and turn heat back down to low.
- Stir occasionally so the sauce does not stick.
- Now just boil the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Sauce can be served over the pasta or mixed inches.
- If there are leftovers, I usually store it all mixed together.
- It reheats better that way.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!