Why make this recipe
Mardi Gras Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish that brings the spirit of Mardi Gras right to your kitchen. Perfect for parties or family dinners, this pasta combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with fresh vegetables and creamy goodness. This recipe not only feeds the stomach but also warms the heart, making it an excellent choice for celebrations or casual gatherings.
How to make Mardi Gras Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, yellow, diced)
- 1 cup cooked sausage (Andouille or chicken, sliced)
- 1 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Add the diced bell peppers and cooked sausage, cooking until the peppers are tender.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to serve Mardi Gras Pasta
Serve Mardi Gras Pasta warm in a large bowl or on individual plates. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few parsley leaves on top will make it even more appealing. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to store Mardi Gras Pasta
If you have leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to keep it creamy.
Tips to make Mardi Gras Pasta
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, which means firm to the bite.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, like zucchini or spinach.
- If you want more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
Variation
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the sausage and shrimp and adding more veggies such as mushrooms and spinach. You can also swap heavy cream for a plant-based option to make it suitable for a vegan diet.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but penne or fusilli works best to hold onto the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
3. Is Mardi Gras Pasta spicy?
It has a bit of spice from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Mardi Gras Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Add the diced bell peppers and cooked sausage, cooking until the peppers are tender.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.