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Quick Dinner Fixins: Cajun Mac and Cheese

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Let’s get down on the bayou with a kiss, a frog, and some serious flavor.
Macaroni and cheese is something I developed a late love affair with not growing up with the blue  box, but don’t make your children suffer the same fate as me, or they may become mac and cheese addicts (see my teenage years). The problem with mac and cheese is that it can get boring if you aren’t mixing it up from time to time with new flavors. Sure, melted cheese is amazing, but add some southern kick and we are really talking.
I have yet to see the Princess and the Frog. Now that I’m in my 20’s finding an excuse for it’s arrival in the Netflix account is harder to come by, though, when I started the posts for this weeks, I did check to see if it was on demand. Sadly, it wasn’t. Sad for the man, it’s on the list now. And another round of this awesome mac and cheese.

Cajun Mac and Cheese

from Food Network Magazine March 2012

Ingredients:

  • 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.

And congrats to Erin @ the Spiffy Cookie who Random.org selected as the winner of last weeks giveaway, CakeLove in the Morning! 

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Comments

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

  7. 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.

    Reply

  9. 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.

    Reply

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