Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese: 1 Easy Recipe

The Soulful Embrace of Comfort and Spice

Few dishes have the power to instantly transport you to a place of warmth and utter contentment. Imagine the comforting embrace of creamy, cheesy pasta, but with an exhilarating kick that ignites your taste buds and leaves you craving more. That, my friends, is the magic we’re about to unleash today with our incredible Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a journey to the heart of comfort food, elevated with the vibrant flavors of the South. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sanctuary of aroma and your dinner table into a celebration!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe offers an unforgettable flavor fusion. You get the perfect marriage of rich, velvety cheese sauce and the bold, smoky, and slightly spicy notes of Cajun seasoning. You will also enjoy an irresistible texture contrast with the delicate pop of perfectly cooked shrimp alongside tender pasta, all coated in a luxurious, creamy sauce. This dish is a weeknight winner, easy enough for a quick meal, but impressive enough to dazzle guests on the weekend. You can customize the spice level, from a gentle warmth to a fiery kick. It’s pure comfort food elevated, offering classic mac and cheese with a sophisticated, zesty twist that makes it truly special.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Making Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese involves three main steps: preparing the shrimp, cooking the pasta, and crafting the velvety cheese sauce. You will start by seasoning and cooking the shrimp quickly in a skillet. Then, boil your preferred pasta until al dente. Finally, you will create a rich cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, cream, and several types of cheese, incorporating Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. After you cook the shrimp, pasta, and sauce separately, you combine them for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients of Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

• Essential Tools and Equipment:
• Large stockpot
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Oven-safe baking dish (optional)

• Ingredients for the Cajun Shrimp:
• 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Ingredients for the Mac and Cheese Base:
• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other preferred pasta shape)
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup smoked Gouda, freshly shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby Jack, freshly shredded
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Directions of Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

1. Preparing the Cajun Shrimp
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and set aside.

1. Cooking the Pasta
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
3. Add the macaroni and cook it according to package directions until al dente.
4. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta.

1. Crafting the Velvety Cheese Sauce
2. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the ½ cup of butter.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste (roux) forms and smells slightly nutty.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue whisking as the sauce thickens, usually 5-7 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
6. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more. Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese.

1. Assembling and Serving
2. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until it is evenly coated.
3. Gently fold in the cooked Cajun shrimp.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Serve your Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese hot and fresh from the pot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a fresh note. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad that has a light vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce. Steamed green beans or southern-style collard greens also make great sides.

How to Store Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Store leftover Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy texture, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The shrimp is best when eaten fresh, but it will still be good in leftovers.

Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best creamy sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Do not overcook the shrimp, as it cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if left on the heat too long; cook just until it turns pink and opaque. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste; start with less and add more if you want a spicier kick. If you prepare the dish ahead, keep the mac and cheese on very low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much.

Variation

Baked Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese: Transfer the assembled mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish. Top with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Add Vegetables: Introduce some color and extra nutrients by sautéing diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) or thinly sliced celery ribbons with the garlic before adding the shrimp.

Smoky Twist: Cook 4-6 slices of turkey for Turkey bacon until crispy. Crumble and stir it into the mac and cheese along with the shrimp for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Herbaceous Boost: A sprinkle of fresh chives or chopped cilantro in addition to parsley can elevate the fresh flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
A: While ideally enjoyed fresh, you can make parts ahead. Cook the pasta and prepare the cheese sauce, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently and combine it with pasta just before serving. Cook the Cajun shrimp fresh for the best texture.

Q2: What kind of shrimp is best for this Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe?
A: We recommend using large shrimp (21/25 count or larger). They hold up well to cooking and provide a satisfying bite. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.

Q3: How do I ensure my cheese sauce for this Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese is smooth and not grainy?
A: The key is to use freshly shredded cheese. Add it to the sauce off the heat, letting it melt slowly while stirring constantly. Do not boil the sauce once you add the cheese, as this can cause it to separate.

Classic Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

This indulgent Classic Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese combines succulent, spiced shrimp with a rich, creamy, three-cheese sauce and al dente macaroni. It's a flavorful and comforting dish that brings a delicious kick to a beloved classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 850 kcal

Equipment

• Paper towels
• Medium bowl
• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

For the Shrimp

• 1 ½ lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Mac and Cheese

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other preferred pasta shape)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 1 cup smoked Gouda freshly shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby Jack freshly shredded
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• A pinch nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

 

Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them in a medium bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil until evenly coated.
• Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Remove the cooked shrimp from heat, stir in lemon juice, and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, ensuring not to rinse it.

Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in ½ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth, slightly nutty-smelling roux forms.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth, continuing to whisk for 5-7 minutes as the sauce thickens and reaches a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
• Reduce heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more, ensuring the sauce does not boil.

Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until it is evenly coated.
• Gently fold in the cooked Cajun shrimp.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheeses as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness. Adjust Cajun seasoning and salt to your personal taste. This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk.