Crawfish Fettuccine

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Creamy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor, Crawfish Fettuccine is the ultimate Southern comfort dish that marries Cajun flair with Italian heartiness. The rich, velvety cheese sauce clings to each strand of fettuccine, while tender crawfish tails provide a subtly sweet and buttery seafood punch. It’s a perfect dish for impressing guests or indulging in a hearty weeknight dinner with a little Louisiana twist.

This pasta dish doesn’t shy away from bold flavors. With a hint of spice, aromatic herbs, and a luscious blend of cheeses, Crawfish Fettuccine captures the soul of home-cooked Southern cuisine. Whether you’re already a fan of seafood or looking to branch out, this dish is sure to earn a spot on your favorites list.

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Ingredients for this Crawfish Fettuccine

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb crawfish tails (cooked, peeled)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

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Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

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Step 4: Season the Sauce

Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to develop flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.

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Step 5: Add Crawfish

Gently fold in the crawfish tails and simmer for another 3–4 minutes until they are heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

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Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss well to coat every strand. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Crawfish Fettuccine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce, as it may thicken after cooling.

Freezing: Although possible, freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce which can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 170mg

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for crawfish?

You can use shrimp, lobster, or even crab meat as a substitute if crawfish isn’t available.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, linguine, penne, or spaghetti all work well, but fettuccine holds the sauce beautifully.

How spicy is Crawfish Fettuccine?

Mild to medium, depending on your Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your heat preference.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep it a day in advance. Reheat slowly with a splash of cream or milk.

Is it gluten-free?

Not with regular pasta. Use gluten-free pasta and check your seasoning blends to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked frozen crawfish?

Absolutely, just thaw and drain them before adding to the sauce.

What goes well with Crawfish Fettuccine?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.

How can I lighten this dish?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also add sautéed spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost.

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