Pappadeaux Pappardelle Pasta Recipe

Pappadeaux Pappardelle Pasta is an amazing dish that’s a pasta lover’s dream!

This dish combines the rich flavors of seafood with the hearty texture of pappardelle, creating a satisfying meal every time.

I love this recipe because it’s both easy to prepare and impressively delicious, and using fresh garlic sautéed in butter adds a depth of flavor you’ll adore.

For an extra kick, make sure to use Cajun spice when cooking the shrimp, which amplifies the dish’s vibrant taste profile.

Let’s get our yum on!

How to Make Pappadeaux Pappardelle Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz. Pappardelle Pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb. Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup Basil (fresh, chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice.

Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4:

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

Step 5:

Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.

Toss everything together gently to ensure a good coating.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Picking the Right Shrimp

I always recommend using fresh shrimp if you can find it, as it really enhances the flavor of this dish.

If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp works just fine too, just remember to thaw it properly.

Keeping the Pasta Al Dente

Make sure not to overcook your pasta.

Cooking it to an al dente texture helps it hold up well in the creamy sauce.

Al dente pappardelle pairs beautifully with the richness of the shrimp and sauce.

Adjusting the Spice

For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes.

I find a small pinch can give a good lil’ kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Cheese Options

If Parmesan isn’t available, I’ve tried this with Pecorino Romano, and it works wonderfully.

It gives the dish a slightly different but delicious profile.

Experimenting with similar cheeses can keep the dish exciting.

Opt for Fresh Ingredients

Fresh basil really makes a difference here.

I always emphasize using fresh herbs for the best results, as they add vibrant color and flavor to the pasta.

What to Serve with Pappadeaux Pappardelle Pasta Recipe

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with garlic bread alongside a rich pasta dish.

The crispiness of toasted bread with the aromatic butter and garlic is an excellent companion.

Use a baguette or any crusty loaf sliced and baked with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley.

Spring Salad

A fresh spring salad brings a refreshing balance to hearty pasta.

Combine mixed greens like arugula or spinach with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and radishes.

Drizzle a light vinaigrette over the salad for an invigorating contrast.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus can add a hint of earthy flavors that pair well with pappardelle.

Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.

Roast until they’re tender and slightly charred; a squeeze of lemon adds brightness.

Grilled Artichokes

Grilled artichokes might not be the first thing you think of, but they’re wonderful here!

Steam the artichokes first, then cut them in half and grill with olive oil.

Serve with a lemon aioli for dipping, and they bring unique taste and texture.

Truffle Fries

For something a bit different, try some truffle fries on the side!

Thinly sliced potatoes fried and tossed with truffle oil and a little parmesan are simply irresistible.

They add a fun and tasty texture to your meal.

Citrus Fruit Platter

An assortment of citrus fruits can cleanse the palate nicely.

Arrange slices of oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines for a bright and juicy side.

The natural sweetness and tang are perfect to complement the rich pasta flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Seafood Alternatives

For a change, try using shrimp or scallops as a protein with your pappardelle pasta.

The flavors blend beautifully, and seafood adds a vibrant taste to the dish.

Sauce Variations

Switching up the sauce is an easy way to give your pasta a different flair!

Use a creamy alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, or even a light lemon butter sauce for varied flavors.

Gluten-Free Options

No need to miss out if you’re eating gluten-free.

Simply swap the traditional pappardelle with gluten-free wide noodles of your choice.

Dairy-Free Cheese

If you’re cutting out dairy, there are excellent cheese substitutes on the market.

Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy goodness without compromise.

Vegetable Variations

Add more veggies to your pasta for some extra nutrition!

Consider including spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

How to Store Leftover Pappadeaux Pappardelle Pasta

When storing your leftover Pappadeaux Pappardelle Pasta, use an airtight container to lock in freshness. This is crucial for maintaining the flavor and preventing spoilage.

Finding the right container will make sure your pasta stays delicious and ready for future meals!

Refrigerating Leftovers

Place your pasta in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This step helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps your dish safe to enjoy later.

Keeping it chilled means it will be good for up to three days.

Adding Moisture

Before sealing the container, add a tiny bit of cream or stock. This little addition will help maintain the pasta’s creamy texture and prevent it from drying out while stored.

It’s a great tip to keep everything tasting just right!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta

You might think cooking the pasta for a little longer won’t matter, but it does!

Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses that firm texture you want.

Aim for “al dente” by tasting it a minute before the package instructions suggest, to keep it firm!

Ignoring Seasoning

It’s easy to forget how important seasoning is when making your pasta dish.

Without the right amount of seasoning, even the best cream sauces can taste bland.

Always taste as you go, and adjust with more Cajun spice or salt for that perfect zing!

Not Using Fresh Ingredients

Using old or wilted ingredients can really affect the outcome of your dish.

Fresh veggies and herbs add vibrant flavor and color, so they’re a must!

Keep your ingredients fresh for that punch of flavor that makes a huge difference!