Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Creamy macaroni, zesty Cajun shrimp, and crunchy topping combine for a comforting, flavorful Southern-inspired main.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
350 g elbow macaroni
→ Cajun Shrimp
02 -
350 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
05 -
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
07 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
→ Cheese Sauce
08 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 -
600 ml whole milk
11 -
170 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 -
85 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
13 -
60 g cream cheese, softened
14 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
15 -
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
16 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
17 -
Salt, to taste
→ Breadcrumb Topping
18 -
65 g panko breadcrumbs
19 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
20 -
0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
21 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven broiler on high.
02 -
Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
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 the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
05 -
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 -
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until smooth. Simmer and stir frequently for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 -
Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth.
08 -
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
09 -
Gently mix in the cooked Cajun shrimp, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
10 -
Pour the mixture into a large, ovenproof skillet or casserole dish.
11 -
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Cajun seasoning. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
12 -
Broil for 1–2 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
13 -
Finish with chopped fresh parsley and reserved shrimp. Serve hot.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Add sautéed bell pepper or green onions to the cheese sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
02 -
Substitute shrimp with chicken or plant-based protein as desired.
03 -
Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
04 -
Serve with crisp white wine or a light lager for a balanced pairing.