Cajun shrimp mac and cheese is a rich and flavorful dish that adds a spicy twist to the classic comfort food. Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the zesty flavors of Cajun-seasoned shrimp, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound (453.59 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 pound (453.59 g) cavatappi pasta or shaped pasta of your choice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (732 ml) whole milk
- 9 ounces (255.15 g) Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 2¼ cups)
- 6 ounces (170.1 g) 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 (60 g) Panko bread crumbs
- 3 ounces (85.05 g) Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about ¾ cup)
- 2 ounces (56.7 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot. Cook 1 pound of pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of flour, whisking for 1 minute until slightly browned. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk and bring to a simmer. Gradually add 9 ounces of Pepper Jack and 6 ounces of cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Season with ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
To give the Cajun shrimp mac and cheese a deliciously crispy finish, prepare a Panko bread crumb topping. Mix 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter in a small bowl with 1 cup of Panko bread crumbs. Toss the mixture with a fork until all the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This topping will add a delightful crunch to the dish after baking.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with 3 ounces of shredded Pepper Jack cheese and 2 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Finally, spread the Panko breadcrumb mixture over the top.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.
