original crawfish or shrimp monica
Unlike Crawfish Etoufee, this rich creamy dish is so simple, with only a handful of ingredients, yet very flavorful. Some recipes get too complicated and the original Crawfish Monica recipe just didn't have all that stuff in it. Try this for yourself and see what I mean. Use ONLY Louisiana Crawfish - Not Chinese. If those aren't available then substitute the crawfish with small shrimp 60-70 count.
prep time
10 Min
cook time
30 Min
method
Stove Top
yield
4 serving(s)
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, rotini, penne, or bowties
- 1 pound crawfish tails and fat (louisiana - don't use chinese)
- 1 stick butter (don't use margarine)
- 1 pint half and half*
- 1 large bunch green onions and tops, sliced
- 1-2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- - creole seasoning and salt to taste
How To Make original crawfish or shrimp monica
-
Step 1Cook pasta in salt water according to the directions on the package. Drain, then rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Drain again, thoroughly.
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Step 2Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute onions and garlic for 3 minutes.
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Step 3*If using raw shrimp, add them with the onions and garlic at the beginning.
-
Step 4Add the crawfish and half-and-half, sauté until bubbly.
-
Step 5Add Creole seasoning - 1 big pinch then taste. Add more as needed but tasting before adding the next pinch until you think it's right. Add salt if needed. If you've boiled your own crawfish add the crawfish fat to the mixture as well.
-
Step 6Cook for 5 - 10 minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
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Step 7Add the pasta to the pot and toss well. You may not need to use all of the pasta. (I double the recipe when using the whole pound of pasta.) Let it sit for about 10 minutes over very low heat, stirring often.
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Step 8Serve immediately, with lots of French bread and a nice white wine. Buon Appetito!
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Step 9*COOKS NOTE: Most of the time I use half Heavy Cream and half - Half and Half, or in other words 1 1/3 cups heavy cream and 2/3 cups milk. I generally buy Heavy Cream because it can be cut with milk to make Half and Half. The sauce seems to thicken better than straight Half and Half but using all Heavy Cream is too thick.
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Step 10*Tip: The sauce is excellent over Redfish on da Half Shell or grilled filets - I call it Redfish Monica.
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Step 11*Options: If you don't have crawfish, use bay scallops, shrimp, lump crabmeat (add last and fold in gently).
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Nutrition Facts
(per serving*)
calories: 817kcal, carbohydrates: 88g, cholesterol: 155mg, fat: 42g, fiber: 4g, protein: 23g, saturated fat: 14g, sodium: 377mg, sugar: 7g, unsaturated fat: 14g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information is estimated.
Discover More
Category:
Pasta
Category:
Seafood
Tag:
#Quick & Easy
Tag:
#For Kids
Tag:
#Heirloom
Keyword:
#shrimp
Keyword:
#crawfish
Keyword:
#cajun
Keyword:
#creole
Keyword:
#cream sauce
Keyword:
#green onions
Keyword:
#pasta
Keyword:
#creole seasoning
Keyword:
#crawfish monica
Keyword:
#monica
Ingredient:
Seafood
Diet:
Soy Free
Culture:
Cajun/Creole
Method:
Stove Top
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