Do you love creamy, flavorful Cajun dishes? Then you’ll love this Crawfish Monica Recipe! It’s rich, cheesy and full of tender crawfish tails, perfectly spiced with Cajun seasonings.
This dish is a classic at Mardi Gras and Louisiana-style gatherings, but you can easily make it at home. This Crawfish Monica Recipe is simple to prepare.
The pasta is coated in a creamy, buttery sauce and the crawfish add a unique, savory flavor. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy meal at home. Let’s learn how to make Crawfish Monica step by step for a delicious Cajun experience.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried Crawfish Monica at a Louisiana festival. The creamy, cheesy pasta with crawfish was unforgettable. I wanted to recreate it at home, so I experimented with butter, cream and Cajun spices.
The first batch was a hit! Rich, flavorful and comforting. Now, I make this Crawfish Monica Recipe whenever I want a taste of Louisiana. It’s easy to prepare and always impresses guests with its bold flavors.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Crawfish Monica Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients You Need for Crawfish Monica Recipe
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb crawfish tails, peeled and cooked
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt Butter
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add onions and garlic to the butter. Cook until soft and fragrant.
4. Add Crawfish
Add the crawfish tails to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add Cream
Pour in heavy cream. Stir well to combine and heat through.
6. Season the Sauce
Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
7. Mix in Cheese
Add Parmesan cheese gradually. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat every strand with sauce.
9. Add Green Onions
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the pasta. Mix gently.
10. Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately for best taste.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh crawfish if possible, but frozen tails work too.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Serve hot for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crawfish Monica with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a light soup. A chilled glass of white wine complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
This dish is perfect for dinner parties or family meals. The bold flavors and creamy texture make it a real crowd-pleaser.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Garlic bread or baguette slices
- Caesar or mixed green salad
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli
- Roasted bell peppers
- Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
These sides balance the richness of Crawfish Monica and enhance the meal experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
- Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the pasta and crawfish tender.
FAQs about Crawfish Monica Recipe
1. Can I use shrimp instead of crawfish?
Yes! Shrimp works well if crawfish is unavailable. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients and cook the pasta in advance. Combine with sauce just before serving.
3. How spicy is Crawfish Monica?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine works best, but linguine, spaghetti, or penne are great alternatives.
5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh. Freezing can affect the creamy texture of the sauce.
Conclusion
This Crawfish Monica Recipe is a creamy, flavorful and easy-to-make dish. The combination of tender crawfish, cheesy sauce and pasta creates a comforting meal that everyone loves.
Perfect for Cajun-style dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings the taste of Louisiana straight to your table. Try it today and enjoy a rich, savory dish full of flavor and tradition!
Extra Wonderful Recipes
Crawfish Monica Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb crawfish tails peeled and cooked
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt Butter
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Add onions and garlic to the butter. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Add Crawfish
- Add the crawfish tails to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add Cream
- Pour in heavy cream. Stir well to combine and heat through.
Season the Sauce
- Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Mix in Cheese
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat every strand with sauce.
Add Green Onions
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the pasta. Mix gently.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh crawfish if possible, but frozen tails work too.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Serve hot for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
