Chipotle Shrimp Mac & Cheese

Traditional Mac & Cheese has become a staple at the Thanksgiving table, however with the holidays coming up, I thought about doing a twist on the Mac & Cheese. One of my favorites is Lobster Mac & Cheese, but it’s really rich and although it would be a great idea for Feast of the Seven Seas during Christmas, I don’t think it’s a great idea for a turkey dinner.

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This year to spice things up, I’m thinking about a Cajun Turkey. With the influence of the South for my main course, I think adding some spicy flavor to the Mac & Cheese would be great. After all, I’m still going to have the traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and biscuits, so a Chipotle Mac & Cheese would be awesome. And how about adding some shrimp to it for skipping the lobster? I think shrimp is a nice little surprise in the Mac & Cheese, and with the Cajun spiced turkey it brings a little extra Creole hint to the meal. Chipotle Shrimp Mac & Cheese is rich and creamy and has a flavorful kick to it. I also use penne pasta rather than macaroni to create a more elegant dish.  This Thanksgiving, kick it up a notch with Chipotle Shrimp Mac & Cheese.

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Chipotle Shimp Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

8 oz. penne pasta (I used rice penne)

1/2 lb. Large Jumbo Shrimp (about 6 to 8 pieces)

2 Tablespoons Butter

1 Tablespoon of Finely Chopped Garlic

½ Teaspoon of Red Chili Pepper Flakes

½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt

½ Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper

1 Tablespoon adobo sauce (from a small can of chipotles in adobo), more if desired

1 8oz. carton of crème fraîche

1/2cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Preheat the broiler.
  3. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  4. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cleaned and deveined shrimp by sprinkling with black pepper and salt making sure that it is well seasoned.
  5. In a Sauté pan melt the butter over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook until it softens. Add the red chili flakes to the pan.
  6. Add the shrimp and cook each side until it is just pink.
  7. Add the adobo sauce to the container of crème fraîche and stir together. Taste and add more adobo, if desired.
  8. Drain the pasta and pour into a small casserole dish.
  9. Add the cooked shrimp.
  10. Add the crème fraîche mixture and stir until all the pasta and shrimp are well coated.
  11. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the Parmesan has turned golden brown and is beginning to crisp.
  12. Serve immediately.
https://www.lovefoodlifealchemy.com/chipotle-shrimp-mac-cheese/

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