Name: Cajun Mac & Cheese
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb. cavatappi or other short-cut pasta; 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 bell peppers, diced; 1/2 white onion, diced; kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb. andouille sausage, sliced; 1/2 lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp, tails removed; 1/4 c. Sliced green onions; 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp. butter; 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 2 c. milk; 1 1/4 c. shredded Cheddar; 1 1/4 c. Shredded Monterey Jack; 1/4 c. panko bread crumbs; 2 tbsp. melted butter

Step 1In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and return to pot.

Step 2Meanwhile, in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add bell peppers and onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, 5 minutes, then stir in garlic. Add andouille sausage, shrimp, 2 tablespoons green onions, 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning and cook until shrimp is pink, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer mixture to a plate.

Step 3Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in skillet. Add flour and whisk until golden, then add milk and simmer until thickened, 2 minutes. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and 1 cup each cheddar and Monterey jack and stir until melted and combined.

Step 4Add cooked pasta and shrimp mixture and toss until combined. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and Monterey jack.

Step 5In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, melted butter, remaining green onions, and a pinch of salt.

Step 6Scatter bread crumbs on top of mac ’n cheese and bake until cheese is melted and bread crumbs golden, 15 minutes.