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Chipotle Mac and Cheese with Blackened Shrimp

Indulgent Chipotle Mac and Cheese with Blackened Shrimp

Savor the delightful flavors of Chipotle Mac and Cheese with Blackened Shrimp, a quick and indulgent dish perfect for any gathering.
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Southwestern
Keyword: Blackened Shrimp, Chipotle Mac and Cheese, comfort food, Dinner Parties, Pasta Dishes, Quick Recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces Dried Cavatappi Pasta or penne or rotini

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 5 tablespoons Butter divided
  • 1 third cup Flour
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 2 cups Colby Jack Cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce adjust based on spice tolerance

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined) substitute with chicken or tofu if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Blackening Seasoning adjust cayenne for heat preference

For Toppings

  • 1 cup Tomato (diced) for garnish
  • 1 avocado Avocado (diced) for garnish
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add cavatappi pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
  • Prepare the Blackening Seasoning: Mix the blackening seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Reserve 2 teaspoons for the cheese sauce.
  • Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and toss with blackening seasoning until evenly coated.
  • Cook the Shrimp: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until opaque and slightly charred.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In the same pot used for pasta, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook until golden brown.
  • Whisk in the Milk: Slowly add milk to the roux, whisking until thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese and reserved blackening seasoning.
  • Add the Chipotle: Chop chipotle peppers and stir them into the cheese mixture, adjusting for spice.
  • Combine and Serve: Mix the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water. Serve topped with shrimp, tomatoes, and avocado.

Notes

For busy nights, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat before mixing with pasta and shrimp.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 200mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 3mg