Cajun Shrimp Mac N Cheese

By mjohnmeyer

Ingredients

• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 box penne pasta (1 lb)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• Shredded pepper jack cheese (12 oz)
• shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat oven to 400. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp and 1/2 a teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning. Set aside.

3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and allow the sauce to come to a simmer (3-4 minutes).

4. Stir in the Pepper Jack and the cheddar cheese, adding a handful at a time and stirring with a wooden spoon until completely melted before adding the next handful. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, a little salt and pepper, and turn off the heat.

5. Add the pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is completely combined and evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

6. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the Panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over top the mac n cheese.

7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until panko is golden brown. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

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