Introduction

Delicious Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and spicy sausage with a creamy Cajun-infused sauce. This vibrant meal brings the festive spirit of Mardi Gras right to your dinner table, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta layers, starting with a base of pale yellow penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Scattered on top are several browned sausage slices with a dark golden crust, and large, orange shrimp with slight char marks, adding a pop of color. Mixed throughout the dish are chunky pieces of light brown mushrooms and bits of finely chopped green herbs sprinkled across, enhancing the fresh look. The creamy sauce glistens, covering the pasta and proteins evenly, making the dish look warm and hearty. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces Penne Pasta (Feel free to swap with fusilli or rigatoni.)
1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (Can be replaced with turkey or omitted.)
1 pound Shrimp (Consider scallops as an alternative.)
8 ounces Andouille Sausage (Try chorizo or kielbasa for different flavors.)
1 cup Bell Peppers (Mixed colors or one color.)
1 small Red Onion (Can substitute yellow onion.)
3 cloves Garlic (Minced; substitute with garlic powder if needed.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (For richness; can use half-and-half.)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast.)
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Adjust to your spice preference.)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing the proteins.)
to taste Salt (Crucial for enhancing flavors.)
to taste Pepper (Crucial for enhancing flavors.)
2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (Adds fresh color and flavor.)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and keep warm.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté the sausage for 2 minutes, then add bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta before serving. Serve on plates or family style.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Swap andouille sausage with chorizo or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
Omit the chicken for a pescatarian version, or replace it with turkey for leaner protein.
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level, starting with less if uncertain.

Storage

Store leftover Mardi Gras pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of yellow penne noodles covered in a rich, light beige sauce. On top, there are several pink-orange shrimp curled up, grilled to a golden brown with slight char marks. Scattered throughout the dish are dark brown, crispy cubes of bacon or meat, adding texture and depth. The creamy sauce has visible black pepper specks and is garnished with small bits of fresh green parsley, adding a bright contrast. The whole dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pasta?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken, shrimp, and sausage, then add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a satisfying vegetarian dish. Use vegetable broth and skip any animal-based cheese if desired.