Description
Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For the Creamy Mac & Cheese:
12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cajun Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth and thickened. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated. Transfer the mac & cheese to a baking dish or foil tray. Top with the Cajun shrimp and sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden finish.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy your cheesy, creamy, and spicy Cajun shrimp mac & cheese!
A bold, creamy, and flavorful dish with a perfect kick of Cajun spice!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for al dente pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook Shrimp: Pat 1 lb of shrimp dry. In a bowl, combine with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.
3. Build the Roux & Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tbsp flour and cook for 1 full minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine & Bake: Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top and sprinkle with a little extra cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich dish with light, fresh sides to balance the creaminess and spice. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or garlic bread are excellent choices. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, pair with collard greens or cornbread.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente. Sauté shrimp with Cajun spices. Make a cheese sauce starting with a butter-flour roux, adding milk/cream, then melting in cheeses. Combine sauce and pasta, top with shrimp, and bake until bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
How can I adjust the spice level? For milder flavor, use a reduced-sodium or “sweet” Cajun seasoning. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or the cheese sauce.
What’s the best cheese blend for mac & cheese? The recipe’s blend of cheddar (flavor), mozzarella (stretch), and Parmesan (saltiness) is ideal. For a sharper taste, substitute some cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat them very dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy? Graininess often occurs from overheating. Always add cheese to a warm (not boiling) sauce and melt it over low heat. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can also cause a less smooth sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They cook quickly and will become rubbery if left in the pan or oven too long.
- Underseasoning the Pasta Water: Salt the boiling water generously; it’s a key chance to flavor the pasta itself.
- Adding Cheese to a Boiling Sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to break and become oily. Let the sauce base cool slightly.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Block cheese you shred yourself melts more smoothly and tastes better.
- Skipping the Roux Cook Time: Cook the flour-butter mixture for a full minute to avoid a pasty flavor in your final sauce.
Conclusion
This Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese masterfully combines comforting creaminess with bold, spicy flavors for a truly impressive meal. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, its customizable spice level and reliable technique guarantee a delicious result every time.