Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of seafood paradise! This Creamy Tomato Crawfish Pasta is not just another recipe – it's a luxurious dining experience that combines the rich, succulent flavors of crawfish with a velvety tomato cream sauce that will make your mouth water. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or when you're craving something extraordinary, this dish proves that gourmet cooking can be both simple and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound crawfish tails, cooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with onions and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in cooked crawfish tails, heating them through for 2-3 minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta al dente – it should have a slight bite to it. The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Crawfish Care: If using frozen crawfish, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before adding to the sauce to prevent watering down your creamy mixture.
- Flavor Boosting: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cream Sauce Tip: Add the cream slowly and on low heat to prevent curdling. Stir continuously for a smooth, silky sauce.
- Fresh Herb Finish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving can elevate the entire dish, adding both color and a fresh aromatic touch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: While best served immediately, you can prep the sauce in advance and quickly reheat when ready to serve, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 180mg
