Cajun Mac & Cheese

by Erin

I have a confession. I originally did make something using andouille sausage for the Holiday Recipe Club blog hop yesterday, and it was this mac and cheese. Instead I had decided to post something that was a little more in the spirit of the Mardi Gras holiday (hence the bananas foster muffins). But now it’s time to share the savory side of how this holiday was celebrated in my kitchen.

I cannot recall the last time I ate andouille sausage but such a question will become easy to answer now that I have made this because I definitely plan to make it again. Recipes that take traditional mac and cheese for a spin by adding other ingredients and seasonings, such as seen in this recipe, are some of my favorites. Mac and cheese really is a great base for the construction of a very delicious meal – after all, how can you go wrong with pasta and cheese?

One year ago: Pizza Bagels

CAJUN MAC & CHEESE

Serves 4

Ingredients:

12 ounces whole-wheat pasta

2 Tbsp olive oil

6 oz. andouille sausage, diced

2 bunches green onions, sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 Tbsp Cajun spice blend

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups 2% milk

8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 1 minute less than package directs. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water then drain pasta.
  2. In a large, deep skillet heat olive oil over high heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until it begins to brown. Add onions and pepper and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the Cajun seasoning and flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes longer. Gradually and carefully whisk in the milk. Whisk until sauce is thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and cheese to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add pasta water to thin sauce if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 1 minute. Serve.

Source: Adapted slightly from Handle the Heat, originally from Food Network Magazine March 2012.

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14 comments

Stephanie March 25, 2012 - 9:50 pm

I am currently eating this after making it for the second time, I rarely leave a comment but I had the recipe open still and wanted to leave my praises between bites, I LOVE THIS RECIPE! I use Pepper Jack Cheese to make it even more spicy, it’s so delicious. Not dry, at all!

Reply
spiffycookie March 25, 2012 - 11:16 pm

So glad you enjoyed it, and more than once too! Thanks for sharing that you also used pepper jack I bet that’s good.

Reply
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen February 23, 2012 - 1:58 pm

This mac and cheese looks incredible! I need to pick up some andouille sausage! Yum! :)

Reply
Baking Serendipity February 22, 2012 - 10:05 pm

Just about any version of macaroni and cheese disappears fast in my house! The addition of sausage would win me big points with my husband…thank you! :)

Reply
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts February 22, 2012 - 9:26 pm

I almost made a creamy pasta similar to this! Looks great!

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Heather February 22, 2012 - 7:03 pm

This looks wonderful! My husband loves all things cajun so I’m sure he will love this!

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Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers February 22, 2012 - 5:59 pm

Yum the mac and cheese looks great. I am yet to try andouille sausage. What kind of sausage is it anyway? I never heard of it until the holiday hop.

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spiffycookie February 22, 2012 - 8:47 pm

It is a spiced smoked pork sausage.

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Tracey February 22, 2012 - 2:13 pm

Ah, mac and cheese, you can never go wrong switching it up and making different variations. I need to make this for my husband, he loves sausage in his mac and cheese!

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Maggie @ Kitchie Coo February 22, 2012 - 12:18 pm

Yes, mac n cheese is a wonderful canvas for so many different flavors! This looks so delicious and I could definitely make this and sub turkey sausage since I don’t eat pork. Great pick!

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Tracy February 22, 2012 - 11:39 am

I’m seriously drooling over here. If I only I hadn’t used all my sausage last night. Time for a trip to the store!

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Amber @ Amber's Confections February 22, 2012 - 10:10 am

Seriously considering making this tonight because it looks SO easy and yummy! Maybe I’m losing my mind, but I don’t see the cheese in the list of ingredients?

Reply
spiffycookie February 22, 2012 - 10:43 am

You are not losing your mind! Thanks for catching that, I have added it.

Reply

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