Indulge in a spicy and cheesy twist on traditional mac and cheese with this Creole Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe. Thick and creamy macaroni noodles are smothered in a blend of melted cheeses, cajun spices, and succulent shrimp, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, this recipe will leave you craving for more. Get ready to experience a delightful fusion of Creole and American culinary traditions!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cajun seasoning to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, approximately 3-5 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni and shrimp to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Serve the Creole Shrimp Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Creole cuisine originated in Louisiana, influenced by a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that dates back to the 14th century, with the first written recipe appearing in a cookbook in the 18th century.
Shrimp is a popular seafood ingredient in Creole and Cajun cooking.
Using a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses adds complexity and richness to the mac and cheese sauce.