Shrimp or Crawfish Monica
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Shrimp or Crawfish Monica, a quintessential dish straight from the heart of Cajun cuisine. This decadent pasta recipe combines tender shrimp or succulent crawfish tails with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce infused with the bold spices of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and aromatic garlic. A medley of sautéed onion, bell pepper, and celery—the holy trinity of Creole cooking—adds depth and balance, while perfectly cooked pasta ties it all together in one irresistible bowl. With a preparation time of just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Garnish with vibrant green onions for a pop of color and an extra touch of freshness. Whether you're craving a taste of New Orleans or looking for a flavorful new pasta recipe to try, Shrimp or Crawfish Monica delivers comfort in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (or crawfish tails)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound cooked pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp or crawfish, season with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked shrimp or crawfish to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well mixed and heated through.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
968 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.8 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.5 g | 183% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 392 mg | 131% | |
| Sodium | 902 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 43.2 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 306 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 563 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
