Crawfish Baked Spaghetti: Easy Recipe with Creamy Sauce

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Crawfish Baked SpaghettiIf you’re looking to bring a taste of New Orleans to your dinner table, look no further than Crawfish Baked Spaghetti. This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of crawfish with the comforting textures of baked spaghetti, creating a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Crawfish is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking, often found in gumbo, étouffée, and jambalaya. By incorporating crawfish into a spaghetti dish, you get a unique fusion that’s sure to please any palate. In this article, we’ll explore how to make a simple crawfish baked spaghetti that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously comforting.

Ingredients

For the Crawfish Baked Spaghetti:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound crawfish tails (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 cup celery (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of celery soup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Crawfish

  1. Stir in the crawfish tails and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and heavy cream to the skillet.
  2. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the crawfish sauce.
  3. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
  3. Add a layer of breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping.

Step 7: Bake the Spaghetti

  1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips and Variations

  • Crawfish Pasta Without Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half.
  • Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
  • Vegetable Variations: You can incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Parmesan, for a different flavor profile.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Crawfish Baked Spaghetti is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Southern and Italian cuisine. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with something a little different. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to make this dish a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you!

Feel free to explore other recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com, such as Pan Roasted Spanish Lemon Drumsticks With Potatoes or Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans for more delicious inspiration. Don’t forget to leave a comment, share your photos on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and recipes. Happy cooking.

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