Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Print View)

Cajun-spiced shrimp meets creamy mac and cheese beneath a crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Cajun Shrimp

02 - 12 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Cheese Sauce

08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 2 1/2 cups whole milk
11 - 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 - 3 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
13 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
17 - Salt, to taste

→ Breadcrumb Topping

18 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
19 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
20 - 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven broiler on high setting.
02 - Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté seasoned shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
05 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 1 minute to form a blond roux.
06 - Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking. Simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir until all cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
08 - Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce, mixing until pasta is thoroughly coated.
09 - Gently fold cooked Cajun shrimp into the pasta, reserving a few shrimp for final garnish if desired.
10 - Pour mixture into a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, spreading evenly.
11 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over macaroni.
12 - Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.
13 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and reserved shrimp. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and satisfying meal that is ready in about an hour
  • Bold Cajun flavors pair beautifully with creamy, melty cheese
  • Easily customizable spice level to suit your heat preference
  • Delivers an irresistible crunch from the panko topping
  • No baking required except for a quick broil on top
02 -
  • Rich source of protein from both shrimp and cheese
  • Fits perfectly into a Southern themed meal or party
  • Freezes surprisingly well for a creamy pasta dish
03 -
  • Shred your cheeses by hand for the smoothest sauce Pre shredded cheese has fillers that can cause clumps
  • Do not skip making the roux It is the secret to a velvety sauce that clings to every noodle
  • Keep an eye on your broiler breadcrumbs turn from golden to burnt very quickly

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