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Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
For the Mac and Cheese Base:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (optional for extra spice)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions for Cajun Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cajun Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Fold in the cooked shrimp, mixing gently to distribute them evenly throughout the casserole.
6. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get an extra crunchy topping.
9. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp
- Saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Whisk for sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese sauce, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook your pasta to just al dente since it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Adjust the Spice: If you love spice, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning to both the shrimp and the breadcrumb topping. For a milder version, reduce the amount of seasoning or use a mild Cajun blend.
- Add Veggies: You can easily toss in some vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
- Add Sausage: For a heartier meal, try adding slices of smoked sausage or andouille sausage to the dish along with the shrimp.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Use Different Cheeses: If you prefer, you can use different cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or even Pepper Jack for added flavor and creaminess.
Suggested Pairings
This Cajun Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese Casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs well with lighter sides to balance out the meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: For even more indulgence, serve this dish with warm garlic bread.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans make great side options to add some freshness to the meal.
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