cajun mac and cheese

Name: Cajun Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound(s) macaroni, elbow; 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil, divided; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped; 1 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon(s) flour; 1 1/2 cup(s) whole milk; 4 ounce(s) low fat cream cheese; 2 teaspoon(s) cajun seasoning (i use benoit's as it is salt-free); 8 ounce(s) extra sharp cheddar, shredded (2 c); 8 ounce(s) gruyere, shredded (2 c); 13 ounce(s) package of kielbasa or smoked pork sausage

(1 RATING)

30 Pinches

Linda Cushmeyer

Opelousas, LA

Updated on Sep 13, 2012

I found this recipe in Woman's Day magazine. I was lucky enough to have some smoked pork sausage from Louisiana in the freezer so didn't use kielbasa as stated in the recipe.

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prep time 40 Min

cook time 30 Min

method ---

yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni, elbow
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
4 ounces low fat cream cheese
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning (i use benoit's as it is salt-free)
8 ounces extra sharp cheddar, shredded (2 c)
8 ounces gruyere, shredded (2 c)
13 ounces package of kielbasa or smoked pork sausage

How To Make cajun mac and cheese

Step 1

The original recipe calls for an oven temperature of 425 and baking for 10 to 12 minutes. I used an oven temperature of 350 and baked it 1/2 hour. Oil a shallow 3 qt. baking dish. I didn't bother oiling my large Pyrex bowl.

Step 2

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp.oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Thinly slice the kielbasa or smoked sausage. Brown the sausage, about 1 minute on each side. Remove from skillet.
Step 3

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in skillet over medium-low heat and cook onions, peppers, and garlic, covered, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Step 4

Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese and Cajun seasoning until blended. Stir in the Cheddar and Gruyere and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5

Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to baking dish. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes at 425. (Or 1/2 hour at 350.)
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