Ma Casey'S Combination Crawfish Pasta
Creamy crawfish pasta features tender crawfish tails combined with a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving a comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pints half and half ⓘ
- 1 pound crawfish tails peeled ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 onion finely chopped ⓘ
- 8 to 10 ounces fettuccine noodles
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch shallots finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion, celery, and finely chopped shallots until tender.
- Add flour to the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Stir in the crawfish tails, half and half, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese, ensuring the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.
- Be careful not to let the mixture burn as it can easily scorch.
- Season with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook fettuccine noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Serve the crawfish sauce over the cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. If you're out of crawfish, shrimp or crab can be great substitutes. You can also use heavy cream instead of half and half for a creamier texture. Remember to keep an eye on the roux to avoid burning, as it can quickly turn bitter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crawfish Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the dish. For a delightful twist, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving to brighten the flavors. You can also browse more Italian recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma Casey'S Combination Crawfish Pasta contains roughly 771 calories, with 25g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (72% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1067mg per serving (46% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crawfish sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before serving. However, it's best to cook the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or olive oil for a richer taste. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative would also work well.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
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).