Description
Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta is a vibrant and festive dish inspired by the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine. Combining penne pasta with spicy Andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and chicken breast, all simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with bell peppers, onions, and bold Cajun seasoning, this pasta offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess ideal for a celebratory meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or linguine pasta
Proteins
- 1/2 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or linguine pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Chicken and Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the sliced chicken breast and Andouille sausage, seasoning them with Cajun seasoning. Cook the meats until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Cook Shrimp: Using the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers and red onion until they become tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss all ingredients thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright finish. Add extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level; add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked until just pink to avoid toughness.
- Use fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad to balance the richness.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
