Description
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with Cajun-spiced shrimp, this spicy shrimp mac and cheese bake is the ultimate comfort food with a kick.
Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 lb campanelle pasta (or similar)
3 tbsp butter (plus 1 tbsp for topping)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 cup shredded white cheddar
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Salt and cayenne to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and baking soda; set aside.
3. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain and set aside.
4. Sear shrimp quickly in butter until barely pink, remove from heat.
5. Make a roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk and half-and-half until thickened.
6. Add cheeses gradually to the sauce, stirring until smooth.
7. Fold in cooked pasta and combine well.
8. Transfer to greased baking dish. Arrange shrimp on top.
9. Mix panko, Parmesan, and melted butter; sprinkle over top.
10. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. Broil 2–3 minutes for extra golden crust.
11. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best melt.
Add chopped jalapeños or bacon for variation.
Prep ahead and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern