Cajun Mac and Cheese
from Food Network Magazine March 2012Ingredients:
- Kosher salt
- 12 ounces wagon-wheel pasta, I used Barilla Piccolini Mini Wheels with Zuchinni and Spinach to pack some extra veggies in
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 ounces andouille sausage, diced
- 2 bunches scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cajun spice blend
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
Preparation:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and sausage in a large skillet over high heat and cook, stirring, until the sausage starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the scallions and bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 more minutes. Add the Cajun spice and flour and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 5 more minutes.
Add the pasta, cheese and reserved cooking water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce and melt the cheese, about 1 minute.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
This sounds so fabulous! Love this kicked up mac and cheese!
Belinda @zomppa says
There is no shame in putting that on your Netflix!! =) Hmm...this is such a great twist on a classic.
Erin says
I have yet to see that movie either, but I definitely have a deep love for all things mac and cheese. Coming up with new ways to mix it up is definitely key when you eat it a lot O:-). Love this cajun version.
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
I haven't seen the movie either and I have a 5 year-old in the house. Dudette has a thing against movies, even cartoons, where people burst into song so much. 🙂 I do love Cajun spices though and would love to eat this pasta since I'm not a fan of the blue box either. This is grown-up type comfort food. It looks delicious.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
A fine movie if I do say so! My daughter is like you and is very wary of Mac n cheese. Shel will only try some varieties, she's very choosy when it comes to cheese...oh and she's 7, go figure 🙂
Cassie says
Love this one Kita!
Tanya C. says
Love the recipes this week! Mac and cheese is a staple at our house. I have always loved kids movies. Even before kids I would drag DH to see the latest movie. Luckily for him it was back when there was a still a drive in and they had double features. He would have to suffer through Mulan or something else then he would get to watch something he was half-way interested in.
RavieNomNoms says
This is a total winner Kita!
movita beaucoup says
Cajun mac and cheese? Yes, please. I think I would like to put some in my belly. Now. Let's face it, mac and cheese is awesome. Mac and cheese with sausage and awesome fixins? More awesomer.
Priscilla M says
OMG! I so want this, now!
Kelly says
What a gorgeous dish, this sounds amazing!!! 🙂
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
You just couldn't leave mac and cheese alnoe could ya? You had to do this and make me crave cheesy cajun pasta in the matter of seconds. Looks like I need to scratch my dinner plans.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love says
Ohhhhh yummy! Please send a big bowl of this my way!
Emily @ She Makes and Bakes says
Yum, yum, yum. Love this!!!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Um, yum. Yes, please, I'll have some of that.
Roxana GreenGirl { A little bit of everything} says
I love your twist on the classic mac&cheese!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I love mac and cheese almost as much as I love cute pasta shapes! Awesome idea to add cajun flavors.