Emerils Crawfish Monica Recipe
Emeril's Crawfish Monica is a creamy, flavorful Southern dish that combines tender crawfish tails with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Bursting with Creole seasonings and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for any special occasion or when you're craving bold, comforting flavors.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Strainer (for draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon or tongs for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb crawfish tails fresh or frozen
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the PastaIn a large pot of salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables and CrawfishIn a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, and celery, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Make the SauceStir in the heavy cream and chicken stock, and bring to a simmer. Season with Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the CrawfishStir in the crawfish tails and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and SauceAdd the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Finish the DishStir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice for a burst of flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- ServeServe the Crawfish Monica immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
Substitute Crawfish: If crawfish is unavailable, shrimp can be used as a substitute.
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, omit it entirely.
Pasta Variety: While fettuccine is traditional, other pasta types like linguine or penne can be used.
Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or stock to adjust the sauce consistency.