Enjoy this rich, Creamy Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe—an easy, flavor-packed Southern dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
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Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Crawfish Fettuccine is a classic Southern comfort dish made with tender crawfish tails, rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a taste of Louisiana.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked crawfish tails (Louisiana crawfish preferred)
- 12 oz fettuccine noodles
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese (or cheddar for a sharper flavor)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere’s is our go-to)
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Chopped green onions and parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Build the flavor base: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in mushroom soup, Rotel, and Velveeta. Stir gently until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Spice it up: Add in cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fold in the crawfish: Gently stir in the crawfish tails. Heat through for 5–7 minutes without overcooking.
- Combine and serve: Toss with pasta. Garnish with parsley and green onions.
- Serve hot: Ideal with garlic bread and your favorite cold drink.
- Tip: A splash of Worcestershire sauce can take the flavor over the top.
Notes
- Louisiana crawfish = unbeatable flavor.
- You can sub in shrimp if crawfish isn’t available.
- Use low-fat alternatives for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
What is Crawfish Fettuccine?
Crawfish fettuccine is a soul-warming Cajun pasta that wraps you in comfort. It’s a medley of juicy crawfish tails, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles—all kissed with that unmistakable Louisiana spice. Whether you grew up in the bayou or are just discovering Cajun cuisine, this dish will make you feel right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe
- Explodes with bold, authentic Cajun flavor
- Quick enough for busy weeknights
- Creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or potlucks
- Customize the spice to suit your taste buds
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 780mg
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Holy Trinity: Onion, bell pepper, and celery form the flavor foundation.
- Overcooking crawfish: They’re already cooked—just warm them gently.
- Melting cheese too fast: Take it slow to prevent curdling.
- Not tasting as you go: Cajun seasoning varies—adjust to your liking.
How Long to Cook Crawfish Fettuccine
From start to finish, this dish takes about 50 minutes. Most of that time is spent letting the sauce get silky and flavorful.
What to Serve with Crawfish Fettuccine
- Crispy garlic bread
- Cajun-spiced corn on the cob
- A crisp Creole salad
- Southern sides like fried okra or hushpuppies
How to Reheat Crawfish Fettuccine
- Microwave: Use short bursts with a splash of milk or cream.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: Go low and slow to keep that creamy sauce smooth.
How to Freeze Crawfish Fettuccine
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Portion into airtight containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Cultural Notes
Crawfish fettuccine has deep roots in Louisiana’s Cajun heritage. Originally a way to stretch leftovers from crawfish boils, it’s now a beloved comfort dish served at holidays, reunions, and backyard parties.
Chef Mabel Fontenot once said, “This dish is like a hug from your grandmother—spicy, creamy, and unforgettable.”
A 2023 LSU study ranked crawfish pasta among the top 5 most comforting Southern meals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crawfish?
- Absolutely! Just thaw completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What’s the best cheese for this?
- Velveeta is ultra creamy. For more punch, try cheddar or pepper jack.
Is this gluten-free?
- Not as-is, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check soup/Rotel labels.