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Delicious Mardi Gras Pasta from Pappadeaux, perfect for Cajun cuisine lovers.

Mardi Gras Pasta

A flavorful Cajun pasta dish featuring shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage, perfect for a festive meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Proteins
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta Can substitute with fusilli or rigatoni.
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Can be swapped for turkey.
  • 1 pound Shrimp Peeled and deveined; can substitute with scallops.
  • 8 ounces Andouille-style Chicken Sausage Choose chicken, turkey, or vegan alternatives.
Vegetables and Seasoning
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Mixed colors preferred.
  • 1 small Red Onion Alternatively use yellow onion.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • Salt to taste Salt Don't forget to salt the pasta water.
  • Pepper to taste Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley For garnish.
Cream and Cheese
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half is an acceptable alternative.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Salt the pasta water generously and cook penne until just shy of perfect (al dente).
  2. Sear chicken pieces in olive oil until golden brown; season liberally and set aside.
  3. Brown the sausage slices, then add shrimp just until they turn pink.
  4. In the same pan, sauté the bell peppers and onion to absorb the browned bits, then stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream, bring gently to a shimmer, and fold in Parmesan until the sauce is silky. Add the proteins and pasta; toss with parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Be prepared for a bit of a mess while cooking; wearing an apron is recommended. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or crusty bread.