Cajun Shrimp and Pancetta Mac 'n' Cheese Delight
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Cajun Shrimp and Pancetta Mac 'n' Cheese Delight. This dish captivates the palate with tender cavatappi pasta enveloped in a blend of melted Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and sharp white cheddar cheeses. Infused with a hint of Cajun spice and the savory crunch of pancetta, it creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The addition of finely diced celery lends a refreshing crunch, while a golden cracker crumb topping adds the perfect finish. Ideal for family gatherings and comforting weeknight dinners, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that promises to satisfy any cheese lover's cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatappi pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Medium shrimp
1 lb (roughly chopped)
Pancetta
1 cup (diced and sautéed)
Onion
1 medium (diced finely)
Celery ribs
2 (diced finely)
Butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
Flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
1 2/3 cups (whole milk)
Heavy cream
1 2/3 cups (heavy cream)
Gruyere cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
White cheddar cheese
1 lb (grated)
Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
to taste (optional)
Pepper
to taste (optional)
Cracker crumb topping
1 cup (crushed (Ritz recommended))
Parsley
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes to create a roux, stirring frequently.
2
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a low boil.
3
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar cheeses. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste. Keep stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
4
In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the diced pancetta until golden brown and crisp. If using bacon, you can skip the butter, as the bacon will render enough fat.
5
Add the diced onion and celery to the pancetta and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the rough chopped shrimp and stir just to combine, cooking until shrimp turns pink, but not fully cooked through. Remove from heat.
6
Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
7
Fold the shrimp and vegetable mixture along with the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta. Combine until evenly mixed.
8
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 13x9 casserole dish.
9
In a microwave-safe measuring cup, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Combine the melted butter with cracker crumbs and parsley, mixing well to create a topping.
10
Evenly distribute the cracker crumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese in the casserole dish.
11
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Shrimp and Pancetta Mac 'n' Cheese Delight?
It is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring cavatappi pasta, a blend of three cheeses, sautéed shrimp, and crispy pancetta with a Cajun flair.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked cavatappi pasta.
What kinds of cheese are used in the sauce?
The cheese sauce is made with a combination of Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and sharp white cheddar cheeses.
How much Cajun seasoning should I add?
You should use 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, or adjust to your personal taste.
What size casserole dish is needed for baking?
A lightly greased 13x9 casserole dish is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the shrimp for the mac and cheese?
The medium shrimp should be roughly chopped and sautéed until they turn pink but are not fully cooked through.
Can I substitute pancetta with bacon?
Yes, you can use bacon. If you do, you can skip adding butter to the skillet as the bacon will render its own fat.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe includes one medium finely diced onion and two finely diced celery ribs.
What is the base of the cheese sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made from 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What liquids are used to make the sauce creamy?
The recipe uses 1 2/3 cups of whole milk and 1 2/3 cups of heavy cream.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the mac and cheese need to bake?
Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
What kind of topping is used for the crunch?
The topping is made from 1 cup of crushed cracker crumbs (Ritz recommended) mixed with melted butter and parsley.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
No, the cavatappi pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
How much Gruyere cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of grated Gruyere cheese.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
How much white cheddar cheese is required?
You will need 1 lb of grated white cheddar cheese.
Is salt and pepper necessary?
Salt and pepper are optional and should be added to taste.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter total, divided among the roux, the sautéing process, and the crumb topping.
Do I need to peel the shrimp?
The shrimp should be prepared and roughly chopped before being added to the skillet.
What does the celery add to the dish?
The finely diced celery provides a refreshing crunch to the creamy pasta.
How do I make the roux?
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
While Ritz crackers are recommended, you can use any similar buttery cracker crumb.
When do I add the parsley?
The parsley is mixed with the melted butter and cracker crumbs to create the topping.
Is the milk added all at once?
The milk and heavy cream should be poured in gradually while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth thickness.
Should the cheese be added while the pot is on the heat?
The pot should be removed from the heat before stirring in the grated cheeses.
How long should I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté the onion and celery with the pancetta for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
What makes this a 'Cajun' dish?
The infusion of Cajun seasoning and the addition of shrimp provide the signature New Orleans flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the recipe is best served hot, you can assemble the components and bake it when ready for a crowd.