Cajun Mac and Cheese

Are you in the mood for some creamy, cheesy goodness? Well, look no further than this Cajun Mac and Cheese. It's the perfect blend of spices and flavors, and it's sure to satisfy your cravings.

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

• A comforting classic for weeknight dinner.
• Spicy and flavorful and so easy to make.
• Smoked Andouille sausage adds a unique & traditional flavor.

Ingredients

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• elbow pasta
• olive oil
• andouille sausage cut in half, lengthwise and then sliced into 1-inch pieces.
• small onion, peeled and chopped
• green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• unsalted butter
• all-purpose flour
• whole milk
• Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought
• garlic powder
• salt
• sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• jack cheese, shredded

Equipment

• 9" x 13" baking pan with lid
• knife
• Cutting Board

Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, sausage, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes or until the vegetables have begun to soften.
4. Remove the sausage and vegetables from the skillet but keep warm.
5. To the skillet, add the butter and heat until melted. Stir in the flour and whisk until bubbling.
6. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in the seasonings and cheeses, allowing the cheese to melt.
8. Add the sausage and vegetables as well as the elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Start until combined.
9. Transferred to the prepared casserole dish and topped with additional cheese if desired. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is browned slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips

Expert Tip: Cook the pasta to al dente to prevent them from becoming mush in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations

• Switch up the proteins in this spicy mac and cheese by using chicken or shrimp instead.
• When making the roux for your cheese allow the flour to brown slightly to cook off the raw flour taste.
• Make sure you allow the cheese sauce to simmer for two or more minutes until it thickens up and the cheese is completely melted.
• Add your favorite veggies to this dish, for some variety zucchini or broccoli would work well.
• Use a different cheese, like mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or even Mexican blend for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Oven Roasted Green Beans are a healthy and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with this creamy mac and cheese recipe.
• Apple Walnut Salad is a tangy side dish that the entire family will enjoy.
• Easy Grilled Asparagus is simple to make, and full of fresh flavor.
• Easy Tres Leche Cake is moist, sweet, and the perfect way to end a meal.
• Enjoy Cajun celebrations, add in a fantastic easy King Cake for a festive dessert.

Similar recipes

• Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a fall flavor twist on this classic recipe.
• Homemade Mac and Cheese is an old-fashioned recipe that will remind you of your childhood.
• One-Pot Chili Mac is an effortless dinner that your family will enjoy.

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Eileen  xo

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cajun Mac and Cheese

A delicious casserole filled with flavor from Cajun spices and andouille sausage in a cheesy creamy pasta.

Print Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Keyword: cajun mac and cheese, Cajun mac and cheese with andouille sausage, spicy mac and cheese

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 835kcal

Author: Eileen Kelly

Equipment Needed:

• 16 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
• 9" x 13" baking pan with lid
• knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

• 16 ounce package elbow pasta
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14) ounce package, andouille sausage cut in half, lengthwise and then sliced into 1-inch pieces.
• 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8) ounce block, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (8) ounce block, jack cheese, shredded
• non-stick baking spray

Instructions

•  Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9" x 13" casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, sausage, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes or until the vegetables have begun to soften.
• Remove the sausage and vegetables from the skillet. Set aside.
• To the skillet, add the butter and heat until melted. Stir in the flour and whisk until bubbling.
• Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.
• Stir in the seasonings and the cheddar and jack cheese, whisk until all the cheese melts.
• Add back in the sausage and vegetables as well as the elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until combined.
• Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and top with additional cheese, if desired. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is browned slightly.

Notes

Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.

Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight covered container in the refrigerator for 3 days.

 

Recipes written for  Everyday Eileen are for information purposes. Eileen Kelly is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional data we provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. 

 

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 835kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1194mg | Potassium: 574mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1617IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 633mg | Iron: 2mg

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