Crawfish Fettuccine: A Delightful One-Dish Meal
Crawfish fettuccine is a dish that brings together the rich flavors of buttery crawfish, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, making it an unforgettable experience with every bite. Originating from a beloved recipe shared by one of my dad’s post-doc fellows, this dish is not exactly light, but that’s what makes it so indulgent and satisfying. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, it serves as a perfect one-dish meal that promises to impress.
Recipe Overview
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Servings: 8
- Rating: ★★★★★ (1 Review)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crayfish tail | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Heavy cream | 8 oz |
| Velveeta cheese | 3-4 oz |
| Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Fettuccine | 1 lb |
| Cajun spices (to taste) | To taste |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 455.1 |
| Total Fat | 19.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 165.5 mg |
| Sodium | 239.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 2.7 g |
| Protein | 20.1 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your ingredients. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish to ensure easy serving later on.
-
-
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fragrant, usually about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the Crawfish: Incorporate the crawfish tails into the skillet, including all their juices. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
-
Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet while continuously stirring. This will help to thicken the mixture.
-
Create the Creamy Base: Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a smooth and slightly thickened consistency.
-
Cheese It Up: Once the sauce is at the desired thickness, mix in the Velveeta cheese until it melts completely. Stir in your choice of Cajun spices, along with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
-
Cook the Fettuccine: While you’re preparing the sauce, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
-
Combine: Pour the creamy crawfish mixture over the drained fettuccine, gently tossing to ensure that every strand of pasta is well coated.
-
Add Cheese and Spices: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle additional Cajun spices and the parmesan cheese on top.
-
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
This Crawfish Fettuccine is sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a taste of indulgence that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the comforting creaminess that this dish has to offer!
