Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat is a creamy, spicy Cajun-inspired pasta that you can make easily at home. This dish combines tender penne with a rich tomato cream sauce, Cajun spices, and shrimp for a family-friendly meal full of bold flavors. The melty cheese and smoky sausage add great texture and depth without complicated steps. Pair it with my easy Potato Corn Chowder Recipe Easy for a cozy dinner night in.
Why You'll Love Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Make the Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat at home! Easy, creamy, and loaded with Cajun flavors, this recipe is perfect for quick, family-friendly dinners.
- Authentic Cajun flavors with simple pantry staples.
- Quick and beginner-friendly recipe under 40 minutes.
- Perfect for weeknight family dinners or meal prep.
- Comfort food with creamy, spicy, and savory balance.
Ingredients for Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Andouille Sausage: provides authentic smokiness, but smoked kielbasa or chorizo works as well.Shrimp: fresh or frozen shrimp both work; thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
- Andouille Sausage: provides authentic smokiness, but smoked kielbasa or chorizo works as well.
- Shrimp: fresh or frozen shrimp both work; thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté sausage and shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook 3-4 minutes until browned. Add shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
- Use freshly chopped parsley and green onions for vibrant color and flavor.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce cayenne and Cajun seasoning by half.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce; it helps the sauce cling to pasta better.
Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Make the Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat at home! Easy, creamy, and loaded with Cajun flavors, this recipe is perfect for quick, family-friendly dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley + extra for garnish
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
How to Make Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Sauté sausage and shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook 3-4 minutes until browned. Add shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine all: Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and chopped parsley. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Heat through 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley, green onions, and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade copycat Mardi Gras pasta.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta Copycat Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the sausage and shrimp ahead. Store separately. Combine and reheat with cooked pasta when ready.
Smoked kielbasa or chorizo are good alternatives that add similar smoky flavor.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a bit of cream or water.
Not reserving pasta water or reheating on high heat can cause dryness. Add reserved pasta water or cream when reheating and stir gently.
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