Sarasota's Cajun Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese

SarasotaCook's Note:

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.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

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 onion, 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
• pepper

Topping

• 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!