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Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta

Delicious Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta for Your Next Feast

This Creamy Cajun Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta is quick, easy, and packed with delightful flavors from Louisiana.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Penne Pasta or fusilli or rigatoni for variety
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or turkey, or omit for seafood-only
  • 1 lb Shrimp or substitute with scallops or extra veggies
  • 8 oz Andouille Sausage or swap for chorizo or kielbasa
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (mixed colors) can use one color or spicy peppers
  • 1 medium Red Onion or yellow onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) or garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove)
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half or non-dairy alternatives
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning adjust according to preferred spice level
For Cooking and Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or butter or neutral oil
  • to taste Salt and Pepper adjust according to taste
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley or chives as a substitute

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to the plate with the chicken.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and add the sliced andouille sausage. Sauté for about 2 minutes until browned, then add bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  5. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning.
  6. Return cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately while hot, plated or family-style in the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Pasta is best al dente for optimal flavor absorption. Leftovers can last 3 days in an airtight container, and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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