Best 8 Cajun Shrimp Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Cajun shrimp mac and cheese is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the spicy, smoky flavors of Cajun cuisine with the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese. It's a perfect meal for a casual get-together or a special occasion, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and unforgettable dish that will leave your taste buds dancing and your stomach satisfied.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CAJUN SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE



Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese image

This Cajun Shrimp mac and cheese is creamy, spicy and totally delicious!

Provided by Tanya Schroeder

Categories     Pasta

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced green pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 lb Key West Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, peeled and deveined (I used Private Selection)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 lb Campanella pasta
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded white cheddar
1 cup shredded jack cheese
1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic, stir and cook an additional minute or until vegetables have softened. Remove vegetables and set aside.
  • Add the butter to the same skillet. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning, tossing to coat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until no longer pink.
  • Meanwhile prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and flour whisking until combined. Slowly whisk milk and heavy cream and continue to whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook milk mixture for 3-5 minutes or until it begins to thicken (do not let the milk boil). Whisk in cheese and stir until smooth. Carefully toss pasta with cheese sauce and cooked vegetables.
  • Pour pasta into a cast iron skillet that is sprayed with cooking spray. Arrange shrimp over the pasta. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle bread crumbs over pasta.
  • Place pasta in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or just until cheese has set Preheat broiler and broil pasta for 3 minutes or just until bread crumbs are golden, and cheese bubbles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 620 calories, Carbohydrate 40 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 253 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 35 grams fat, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, SaturatedFat 20 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 1547 milligrams sodium, Sugar 2 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams unsaturated fat

CAJUN SHRIMP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese image

A spicy Cajun shrimp version of my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.

Provided by Michelle

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined and chopped into ½-inch pieces)
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
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)
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))

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 MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH SHRIMP



Cajun Macaroni and Cheese With Shrimp image

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

1 lb cavatappi pasta, cooked
8 tablespoons butter, divided
1 lb medium shrimp, cut in thirds
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning, divided
1 tablespoon grated onion
3 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
1/2 lb swiss cheese (grated)
1/2 lb cheddar cheese (grated)
1 lb monterey jack pepper cheese (grated and divided)
salt and pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon parsley

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

SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE



Shrimp Mac and Cheese image

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

½ cup elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup 1% milk
½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 ½ tablespoons sour cream
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 cup frozen salad shrimp
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

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



Cajun Macaroni image

"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

1/2 pound ground beef
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped celery
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 package (7-1/4 ounces) macaroni and cheese dinner mix
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter

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 :

SARASOTA'S CAJUN SHRIMP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Sarasota's Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese image

I love Lobster Mac and Cheese, but it is just too expensive. So this was my answer. However I like to add a few different cheeses to mine, celery for some crunch and pancetta for extra flavor with a cracker crumb topping.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb cavatappi pasta
1 lb medium shrimp, rough chopped (use any size you can get)
1 cup pancetta, diced and sauted (bacon is also a good substitute)
1 medium onion, diced fine
2 celery ribs, diced fine
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 2/3 cups milk
1 2/3 cups heavy cream
1/2 lb gruyere cheese, grated (you could also use swiss cheese)
1/2 lb monterey jack cheese (grated)
1 lb white cheddar cheese (grated)
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
salt
pepper
1 cup cracker crumb (I used Ritz)
1 teaspoon parsley
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Sauce -- In a medium pot on medium heat, add the butter and melt, then add the flour and mix well to make a roux. Slowly add in the milk and bring to a low boil to let the sauce thicken. Then add in the cheeses, salt, pepper and cajun seasoning to taste. Cook just until melted.
  • Pancetta -- In a medium size saute pan, add 1 tablespoon of the butter and saute the pancetta. NOTE: If using bacon, skip the butter, the bacon has enough fat. Saute until golden brown.
  • If you are using the bacon, reserve 1 teaspoon of the bacon drippings and omit the butter when sauteing the shrimp and vegetables.
  • Vegetables and Shrimp -- Now, to that same pan add the vegetables and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Then add the shrimp and stir just to mix everything together. Remove immediately, the shrimp will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Pasta -- Cook the pasta according to directions - al dente, drain well, return to the pot.
  • Combine -- In the pot with the pasta, add the shrimp and vegetable mixture, the cheese sauce, bacon and mix well. Pour into a 13x9 casserole dish lightly sprayed with pam or a non-stick spray.
  • Topping -- Melt the butter in a measuring cup in the microwave and add the cracker crumbs and parsley and mix well. Top over the casserole dish.
  • Bake -- In a preheated 350 degree oven, bake the dish covered for 20 minutes, uncover and cook another 10-15 until golden brown and bubbly. Remember everything is already cooked, it doesn't take too long. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1063.6, Fat 66.1, SaturatedFat 40.3, Cholesterol 296.6, Sodium 794.2, Carbohydrate 63.4, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 2.4, Protein 53.1

CAJUN SHRIMP MAC N CHEESE RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Cajun Shrimp Mac N Cheese Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by mjohnmeyer

Number Of Ingredients 10

9 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 box penne pasta (1 lb)
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
Shredded pepper jack cheese (12 oz)
shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oven to 400. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. 2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp and 1/2 a teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning. Set aside. 3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and allow the sauce to come to a simmer (3-4 minutes). 4. Stir in the Pepper Jack and the cheddar cheese, adding a handful at a time and stirring with a wooden spoon until completely melted before adding the next handful. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, a little salt and pepper, and turn off the heat. 5. Add the pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is completely combined and evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. 6. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the Panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over top the mac n cheese. 7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until panko is golden brown. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving. navywifecook.com

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

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

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and Gruyère cheese.
  • If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
  • To make the mac and cheese extra creamy, use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream.
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mac and cheese sauce.
  • For a crispy topping, sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before baking.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately, while it's hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Cajun shrimp mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy mac and cheese, flavorful shrimp, and spicy Cajun seasoning is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give this recipe a try.

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