Sarasota's Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese

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"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."

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Ingredients

  • Shrimp and Pasta Mixture:
  • 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 onions, diced fine
  • 2 celery ribs, diced fine
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ...........................................
  • Cheese Sauce:
  • 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 and pepper
  • ......................................
  • Topping:
  • 1 cup cracker crumbs ( I used Ritz)
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Preparation

Step 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.

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.

If you are using the bacon, reserve 1 teaspoon of the bacon drippings and omit the butter when sauteing the shrimp and vegetables.

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.

Pasta -- Cook the pasta according to directions (al dente.) drain well, return to the pot.

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.

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.

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!

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