Best 2 Cajun Mac And Cheese Recipes

Are you craving a flavorful and indulgent meal that tantalizes your taste buds with a symphony of spicy and cheesy goodness? Look no further than the delectable world of Cajun mac and cheese. Embark on a culinary journey to discover the secret behind creating a dish that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comforting embrace of classic mac and cheese. Whether you prefer a mild kick or an inferno of heat, this dish can be tailored to suit your preferences. Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese experience and delve into a world of spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying goodness.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CAJUN SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE

Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese image

This macaroni and cheese gets elevated by the addition of shrimp. It partially cooks in the Instant Pot® and is finished in the oven. Please shred cheese yourself; if you use pre-shredded cheese, it will not be creamy.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Shrimp

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups pipe rigate pasta
1 cup milk
¼ cup whipping cream
nonstick cooking spray
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 ½ cups cooked medium shrimp
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup shredded Fontina cheese
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
½ teaspoon Creole seasoning
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Melt butter in the pot. Add shallot and garlic; saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Hit Cancel button and allow the cooker to cool.
Pour in pasta and stir to coat with shallot-butter sauce. Add milk and whipping cream. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, for 10 minutes. Use the quick-release method to release remaining pressure. Unlock and remove the lid.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat an 8x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Add evaporated milk, cooked shrimp, cheeses, seafood seasoning, and Creole seasoning to the pasta mixture; mix to thoroughly combine. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
Mix panko, seafood seasoning, and Creole seasoning together for the crumb topping. Mix in melted butter. Spread over casserole dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 5 minutes. Switch on the broiler and broil until top of casserole is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 508.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45.1 g, Cholesterol 142.7 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 14.5 g, Sodium 830.2 mg, Sugar 10.3 g

CAJUN MAC AND CHEESE

Cajun Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces andouille sausage, diced
2 bunches scallions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt
12 ounces wagon-wheel pasta
1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
1 tablespoon Cajun spice blend
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

Steps:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and sausage in a large skillet over high heat and cook, stirring, until the sausage starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the scallions and bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 more minutes. Add the Cajun spice and flour and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 5 more minutes. Add the pasta, cheese and reserved cooking water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce and melt the cheese, about 1 minute.

Tips:

For a creamy and smooth sauce, use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina.
Add some chopped vegetables to the mac and cheese for a pop of color and nutrition. Broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers are all great options.
If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top of the mac and cheese before baking.
For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce.
If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked macaroni noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to the package directions.

Conclusion:

Cajun mac and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its creamy sauce, tender macaroni noodles, and flavorful Cajun spices, it's sure to be a hit at your next potluck or family gathering. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give Cajun mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!