Lil'S Crawfish Or Shrimp Fettucine
Creamy and flavorful Cajun-style fettucine with crawfish or shrimp, melted cheeses, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups margarine ⓘ
- 3 small onions, chopped fine
- 2 small bell peppers, chopped fine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 pounds crawfish tails or shrimp ⓘ
- 3 pints half and half cream
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- 1 pound jalapeno cheese ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons dehydrated parsley ⓘ
- 2 pounds fettucine noodles ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese for sprinkling ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers; cook for about 20 minutes.
- Add flour, stirring frequently, and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Add dehydrated parsley and crawfish tails or shrimp; cook covered for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Add half and half cream, Velveeta cheese, jalapeno cheese, and minced garlic; cover and stir often until cheeses melt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. You can also substitute fresh parsley for dehydrated if you prefer a brighter flavor. If you want to add a kick, try using pepper jack cheese instead of jalapeno cheese. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fettucine in large bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or family meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully. Explore more seafood recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a stovetop on low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating too long to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lil'S Crawfish Or Shrimp Fettucine contains roughly 2486 calories, with 56g protein, 285g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (139% of the Daily Value), protein (112% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1368mg per serving (59% 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
Can I use frozen crawfish tails or shrimp?
Yes, frozen crawfish tails or shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the texture. If using frozen, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the crawfish or shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables. You can also use plant-based cream cheese as a substitute for Velveeta and jalapeno cheese to keep the creamy texture while catering to vegetarian diets.
How spicy is this dish with jalapeno cheese?
The spiciness of the dish will depend on the type of jalapeno cheese used. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno cheese or replace it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack. Taste as you go, and adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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).