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–+ servings
Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta

Cajun Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta for Festive Family Dinners

This Cajun Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta brings festive flavors to your table, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Penne Pasta Can be replaced with fusilli or rigatoni
For the Proteins
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Lean protein option; substitute with turkey
  • 1 lb Shrimp Can substitute with scallops
  • 8 oz Andouille Sausage Brings smoky flavor; try chorizo or kielbasa
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Bell Peppers Mix various colors or spicy peppers
  • 1 large Red Onion Yellow onion is a suitable substitute
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder can substitute at 1/8 tsp per clove
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast as dairy-free option
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Essential for authenticity; adjust to taste
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can also use butter or neutral oil
  • to taste Salt Adjust based on personal taste
  • to taste Pepper Adjust based on personal taste
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley Can swap for chives

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Spoon

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
  3. Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to the plate with chicken.
  4. In the same skillet, add andouille sausage and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until tender.
  5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet with cooked penne pasta. Toss gently to combine, heat through for another 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized with various proteins and spices to fit taste preferences.

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