Cajun Macaroni and Cheese with Shrimp
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with a bold Southern twist—Cajun Macaroni and Cheese with Shrimp. This creamy, flavor-packed dish combines tender elbow macaroni in a luscious, three-cheese sauce with perfectly seasoned Cajun shrimp for a meal that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible. A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety sauce, while a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Infused with aromatic spices like garlic powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning, this baked mac and cheese offers a tantalizing mix of smoky, savory, and hearty flavors. Perfect as a show-stopping dinner or a standout dish for gatherings, this recipe is an elevated spin on a beloved classic. Garnish with chopped parsley for a finishing touch of freshness, and savor every bite of this Southern-inspired masterpiece!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 1 lb Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp Butter, divided
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
934 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.5 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.2 g | 151% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 289 mg | 96% | |
| Sodium | 1207 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.6 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 51.9 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 820 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 540 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
