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Blackened Shrimp Cajun Mac & Cheese

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A bold and creamy Cajun-inspired twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring smoky blackened shrimp paired with rich, cheesy pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with comfort food flair.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

    • For the Blackened Shrimp:
    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • Salt, to taste

 

    • For the Mac & Cheese:
    • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
    • 2 tbsp butter
    • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

 

  • Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, olive oil, and salt. Sear in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until sauce is smooth.
  6. Stir in cooked pasta until coated in cheese sauce.
  7. Fold in shrimp or arrange on top before serving.
  8. Garnish with parsley and optional hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning.

Notes

  • Swap shrimp with blackened chicken or sausage for variation.
  • Add jalapeños or use pepper jack for extra heat.
  • Top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and bake for crunch.
  • Experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, smoked gouda, or cream cheese for unique flavor.
  • Reheat with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/blackened-shrimp-cajun-mac-cheese/