Cajun-Spiced Crawfish Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with spicy Cajun-seasoned crawfish for a taste of Louisiana. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends fettuccine pasta, crawfish tails, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz fettuccine pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb crawfish tails tossed with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink and slightly crisp on edges.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add drained fettuccine pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing well to combine and coat the noodles.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Crawfish Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Crawfish Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Crawfish Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Crawfish Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Crawfish Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Southern US seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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