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Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta

Creamy Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta That'll Wow Your Guests

This Creamy Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta captures the essence of Cajun cuisine with vibrant flavors and convenience, making it a must-try dish for any dinner occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta or fusilli for a fun twist
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or turkey or seafood-only if preferred
  • 1 lb Shrimp or scallops or extra veggies
  • 8 oz Andouille Sausage or chorizo for a different flavor
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (mixed colors) any pepper variety
  • 1 medium Red Onion or yellow onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) or garlic powder as an alternative
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half for lighter option
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning adjust for heat preference
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or butter for richer flavor
  • to taste Salt and Pepper always adjust to taste
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley or chives as an alternative

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken breast with Cajun seasoning and add it to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the shrimp, allowing the residual flavor from the chicken to infuse the dish. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.
  4. Add a splash more olive oil to the skillet, then toss in the andouille sausage. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting it brown slightly. Next, add the mixed bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic, cooking for another 4 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream, reducing the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Return the sautéed chicken and shrimp back into the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together gently for about 1-2 minutes until fully coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
  7. Once mixed and heated, remove the skillet from the heat, then sprinkle chopped parsley generously over the top for freshness. Serve the Creamy Cajun Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta warm in individual bowls or share family-style on a large platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Cook penne pasta just until al dente and adjust seasoning based on personal taste. Make ahead of time to save on cooking time when ready to serve.

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