Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Topping

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, featuring juicy, blackened Cajun shrimp and a crispy, smoky bacon-Parmesan topping. The combination of spicy shrimp, velvety cheese sauce, and crunchy bacon crumble makes this dish next-level indulgent—the perfect mix of comfort food with a spicy, Southern twist!

🔥 Why You’ll Love This Dish:
✔ Ultra-Creamy & Spicy Cajun Cheese Sauce – Made with cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of heat.
✔ Blackened Cajun Shrimp – Adds a bold, smoky contrast to the rich mac.
✔ Crispy Bacon-Parmesan Topping – The perfect crunchy, salty bite.
✔ One-Pan, Easy & Quick! – Ready in under 40 minutes.

⏱ Timings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Mac & Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Crispy Bacon Topping:

• 5 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra shredded cheddar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta 1 minute less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
3. Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sear the Cajun Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until blackened and opaque.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
5. Stir in Cajun seasoning and mustard powder, simmering until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Bacon Topping

1. In a bowl, mix crumbled bacon, panko, Parmesan, and melted butter.
2. Set aside for a crunchy topping.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake (Optional for Extra Crispiness!)

1. Toss the cooked pasta in the Cajun cheese sauce.
2. Fold in the seared Cajun shrimp, saving a few for garnish.
3. Transfer to a baking dish (optional) and sprinkle with bacon topping.
4. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cheddar.
2. Serve hot and creamy, with extra Cajun shrimp on top!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 38g

💡 Want a Healthier Version?
✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
✔ Swap zucchini noodles or cauliflower mac for pasta.
✔ Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Topping

Ella Cooks

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, featuring juicy, blackened Cajun shrimp and a crispy, smoky bacon-Parmesan topping. The combination of spicy shrimp, velvety cheese sauce, and crunchy bacon crumble makes this dish next-level indulgent—the perfect mix of comfort food with a spicy, Southern twist!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 720 kcal

COOK MODEStop your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled & deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Mac & Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 1 tbsp salt for boiling water

For the Crispy Bacon Topping:

• 5 slices crispy bacon crumbled
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter melted

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra shredded cheddar

Instructions

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta 1 minute less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
• Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sear the Cajun Shrimp

• In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until blackened and opaque.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Cheese Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
• Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
• Stir in Cajun seasoning and mustard powder, simmering until thickened.
• Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Bacon Topping

• In a bowl, mix crumbled bacon, panko, Parmesan, and melted butter.
• Set aside for a crunchy topping.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake (Optional for Extra Crispiness!)

• Toss the cooked pasta in the Cajun cheese sauce.
• Fold in the seared Cajun shrimp, saving a few for garnish.
• Transfer to a baking dish (optional) and sprinkle with bacon topping.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cheddar.
• Serve hot and creamy, with extra Cajun shrimp on top!
  

Notes

💡 Want a Healthier Version?
✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
✔ Swap zucchini noodles or cauliflower mac for pasta.
✔ Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 45gFat: 38g

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