Welcome to the world of Cajun macaroni and cheese with shrimp, a delectable dish that combines the flavors of the American South and the unique spices of Louisiana. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind creating the perfect Cajun macaroni and cheese with shrimp. We will explore the origins of this dish, the essential ingredients needed, and the step-by-step process to achieving a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the world of Cajun macaroni and cheese with shrimp!
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
CAJUN SHRIMP MACARONI AND CHEESE
A spicy Cajun shrimp version of my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.
Provided by Michelle
Categories Main Course
Time 1h20m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- 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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 652 kcal, Carbohydrate 55 g, Protein 40 g, Fat 40 g, SaturatedFat 24 g, Cholesterol 253 mg, Sodium 947 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CAJUN SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE
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
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 MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH SHRIMP
I had this at my monthly Bunco group. One of the lady's husbands made it and gave us the recipe. It is to die for. I add in diced green pepper, saute it with the shrimp and more seasoning than called for when I make it.
Provided by RepoGuysWife
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter in medium sauce pan.
- Add shrimp, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning.
- Cook 3-4 minutes, remove.
- In same pan melt 2T butter, add onion and sauté 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in milk and heat approximately 4 minutes.
- Add Swiss, cheddar and 3/4 lb. pepper Jack cheese, stir until smooth.
- Add 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked shrimp and pasta.
- Pour into buttered cassserole dish.
- Top with 1/4 lb. pepper Jack cheese, bread crumbs, 3 T. melted butter and parsley.
- Bake 45 minutes or until browned and bubbling.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 871, Fat 51, SaturatedFat 31.5, Cholesterol 221.5, Sodium 1031.6, Carbohydrate 54.4, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 2.6, Protein 47.7
CAJUN MAC AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
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.
SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE
This macaroni and cheese takes on a subtle coastal flair with the addition of shrimp. I used cooked salad shrimp as I found the size comparable to the elbow macaroni.
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Shrimp
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Pour 5 cups water into a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add macaroni and boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour until a smooth paste is formed. Slowly pour in milk, stirring to incorporate. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Cajun seasoning. Drain macaroni and stir into the sauce. Add frozen shrimp and stir to combine.
- Pour macaroni mixture into an oval au gratin dish. Top with panko bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.1 calories, Carbohydrate 16.6 g, Cholesterol 83 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 14.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 288.3 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
CAJUN MACARONI
"When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half pound of ground beef," relates June Ellis. "So I came up with this easy dish to use it up." The Erie, Illinois cook brings this fast family-pleaser to the dinner table at a savvy 76 cents a plate.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, cook the beef, onion, green pepper and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions, using 2 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in beef mixture; cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality shrimp. Wild-caught shrimp are typically more flavorful than farm-raised shrimp.
- Be sure to devein and clean the shrimp before cooking. This will help to remove any grit or sand from the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp until they are just opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Use a good quality cheese blend for the macaroni and cheese. A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese works well.
- Season the macaroni and cheese to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately while it is hot and bubbly.
Conclusion:
This Cajun macaroni and cheese with shrimp is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a hearty and comforting meal, give this recipe a try.
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