Macaroni & Cheese Recipes

Cajun Shrimp, Shells & Cheese

Tillamook® Colby Jack Cheese

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs from ciabbata rolls or firm white bread
6 tablespoons Tillamook® Unsalted Butter, divided
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1 pound dry large shell pasta
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Tillamook® Vintage White Medium Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (4ounces) Tillamook® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Tillamook® Colby Jack Cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Tillamook® Swiss Cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Tabasco® sauce
1/2 cup chopped, cooked bacon (6 ounces uncooked bacon)
1 pound small shrimp ( 41-50 per pound), shelled and deveined

Preparation

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Preheat oven to 350 degres F. Lightly butter a 9- x 13-inch shallow baking dish

To make topping, in a small bowl combine breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, Parmesan and parsley. Set aside.

In a large pot, bring 5 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally. Pasta is done when it is slightly chewy to the bite or al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.

Prepare sauce while pasta is cooking. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in onion and cook until softened, 3-5 minutes. Whisk in garlic and jalapeno and cook one minute. Add flour and cook 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk and cream and whisk constantly until mixture comes just to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until sauce slightly thickens, 4-5 minutes. Add cheddars, Colby jack and Swiss cheeses. Stir until cheese is thoroughly melted.

Over low heat, stir in salt, pepper, Tabasco®, bacon and shrimp. Cook just until shrimp is pink, about 2 minutes. Add sauce to pasta and fold to combine. Pour hot mixture into prepared baking dish. Immediately top with crumb mixture and broil, 4-5 inches from heat, until golden brown. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.