Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.8
84 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
40 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
-
Additional Time
10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
652 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
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A spicy Cajun shrimp version of my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.
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Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled, deveined and chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
For the Marconi and Cheese
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta or shaped pasta of your choice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 9 ounces pepper jack cheese shredded (about 2¼ cups)
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1½ cups)
- ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning divided
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 ounces pepper jack cheese shredded (about ¾ cup)
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Heat a large pot of water over high heat for the pasta; cover.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is all pink and cooked through. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook the pasta according to the box directions for al dente pasta (if your box doesn't specify al dente, cook it for 1 to 2 minutes shorter than the time called for - it shouldn't be cooked the whole way through). When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until the flour starts to brown a bit and smells nutty, whisking constantly. In a slow, steady stream, whisk in the milk. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer.
- Once the sauce comes to a simmer, stir in the Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, adding a handful at a time and stirring with a wooden spoon until completely melted before adding the next handful. Season with the Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, and turn off the heat.
- Add the cooked, drained pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is completely combined and evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the Panko bread crumbs, tossing with a fork until the entire mixture is evenly moistened.
- Sprinkle the macaroni and cheese with the shredded cheeses. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the cheese.
- Bake until browned and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Nutritional values based on one serving
- At times I have purchased the super small shrimp when it's on sale, and in that case, you don't need to chop it at all.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
652kcal
(33%)
Carbohydrates
55g
(18%)
Protein
40g
(80%)
Fat
40g
(62%)
Saturated Fat
24g
(120%)
Cholesterol
253mg
(84%)
Sodium
947mg
(39%)
Potassium
369mg
(11%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1275IU
(26%)
Vitamin C
2.3mg
(3%)
Calcium
736mg
(74%)
Iron
3.1mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 652 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 652kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Cholesterol | 253mg | 84% |
| Sodium | 947mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 369mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1275IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 2.3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 736mg | 74% |
| Iron | 3.1mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
84 reviews
Excellent
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