Sarasota's Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese |
|
 |
Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 8 |
|
I love Lobster Mac and Cheese, but it is just too expensive. So this was my answer. However I like to add a few different cheeses to mine, celery for some crunch and pancetta for extra flavor with a cracker crumb topping. Ingredients:
1 lb cavatappi pasta |
1 lb medium shrimp, rough chopped (use any size you can get) |
1 cup pancetta, diced and sauted (bacon is also a good substitute) |
1 medium onion, diced fine |
2 celery ribs, diced fine |
1 tablespoon butter |
3 tablespoons butter |
3 tablespoons flour |
1 2/3 cups milk |
1 2/3 cups heavy cream |
1/2 lb gruyere cheese, grated (you could also use swiss cheese) |
1/2 lb monterey jack cheese (grated) |
1 lb white cheddar cheese (grated) |
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning |
salt |
pepper |
1 cup cracker crumb (i used ritz) |
1 teaspoon parsley |
1 tablespoon butter |
Directions:
1. Sauce - In a medium pot on medium heat, add the butter and melt, then add the flour and mix well to make a roux. Slowly add in the milk and bring to a low boil to let the sauce thicken. Then add in the cheeses, salt, pepper and cajun seasoning to taste. Cook just until melted.
2. Pancetta - In a medium size saute pan, add 1 tablespoon of the butter and saute the pancetta. NOTE: If using bacon, skip the butter, the bacon has enough fat. Saute until golden brown.
3. If you are using the bacon, reserve 1 teaspoon of the bacon drippings and omit the butter when sauteing the shrimp and vegetables.
4. Vegetables and Shrimp - Now, to that same pan add the vegetables and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Then add the shrimp and stir just to mix everything together. Remove immediately, the shrimp will continue cooking in the oven.
5. Pasta - Cook the pasta according to directions - al dente, drain well, return to the pot.
6. Combine - In the pot with the pasta, add the shrimp and vegetable mixture, the cheese sauce, bacon and mix well. Pour into a 13x9 casserole dish lightly sprayed with pam or a non-stick spray.
7. Topping - Melt the butter in a measuring cup in the microwave and add the cracker crumbs and parsley and mix well. Top over the casserole dish.
8. Bake - In a preheated 350 degree oven, bake the dish covered for 20 minutes, uncover and cook another 10-15 until golden brown and bubbly. Remember everything is already cooked, it doesn't take too long. Enjoy!
|
|