Elaine'S Crawfish Fettucini
Creamy crawfish fettuccini features tender crawfish, rich cheese, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, hearty pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 3 sticks butter ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 pounds crawfish tails, peeled
- 1 quart half and half cream ⓘ
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 pound fettucini noodles ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan.
- Add chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers; cook for 10 minutes until vegetables are clear.
- Add flour; blend in well.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped parsley and crawfish tails; cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring often.
- Add cream, cubed Velveeta cheese, chopped jalapeno peppers, and crushed garlic; mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook covered on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook fettucini noodles according to package directions.
- Drain noodles and add to the sauce; mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into a 3-quart buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of seafood stock along with the half and half. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute the Velveeta cheese with a lower-fat cheese like mozzarella. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; try adding basil or thyme for a fresh twist. Stir in some cooked shrimp for additional protein, enhancing the dish with more seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Crawfish Fettuccini is rich and filling, making it perfect as a standalone dish. Pair it with a light salad like Mary Lou'S Easy Caesar Salad for a refreshing contrast. It also goes well with garlic bread or a glass of chilled white wine, enhancing the overall dining experience. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside shrimp dishes like Company Tuna Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fettuccini mixture in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring the cheese remains creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elaine'S Crawfish Fettucini contains roughly 712 calories, with 19g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and potassium (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chopped jalapenos or incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce. You could also serve with a spicy hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their heat level to their liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).