Mardi Gras Pasta Color Layers (Print)
Colorful fettuccine with creamy sauce and layers of vibrant vegetables, inspired by Mardi Gras traditions.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz fettuccine pasta
02 - Salt, for boiling water
→ Purple Vegetable Medley
03 - 1 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage
04 - 1 small thinly sliced red onion
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Gold Vegetable Medley
06 - 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
07 - 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Green Vegetable Medley
09 - 1 cup broccoli florets
10 - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Creamy Sauce
12 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
13 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 2 cloves minced garlic
15 - 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
16 - Salt, to taste
17 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
19 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
02 - While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced purple cabbage and red onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Introduce the thinly sliced yellow bell pepper and corn kernels. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the pepper is tender-crisp and slightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - Add the final tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, approximately 1 minute. Remove from skillet and set aside.
05 - In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the Cajun seasoning, if using. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it achieves a slightly thickened consistency.
06 - Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the prepared sauce. Toss gently to ensure every strand is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silkier texture.
07 - Divide the sauced pasta among individual serving plates. Artfully arrange the sautéed purple, gold, and green vegetables in distinct sections on top of the pasta to create vibrant color layers. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and serve with optional lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.
# Chef Secrets:
01 -
- Ready in just 45 minutes for a weeknight celebration
- Creates a stunning visual presentation with minimal effort
- Customizable with your favorite proteins or dairy free alternatives
- Packed with vegetables in a comforting creamy sauce
02 -
- Each color represents traditional Mardi Gras symbolism purple for justice, gold for power, and green for faith
- The dish can easily be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of cream
- Perfect for entertaining as the colorful presentation creates a wow factor with minimal effort
03 -
- For the most vibrant presentation, cook each vegetable group separately to maintain distinct colors and prevent purple cabbage from tinting everything.
- A splash of lemon juice helps maintain the bright green color of the broccoli and spinach.
- When serving, arrange the vegetables in distinct sections rather than mixing them throughout for the most dramatic Mardi Gras effect that will impress your guests.