
Cajun Chipotle Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Impress your bon amis with this Cajun meets south of the border twist on everybody’s absolute favorite. Much thanks to scrumptious, fatty andouille sausage. It will make your dishes seem so fancy no one will ever guess it’s just basically an over-hyped hot dog. And don’t get us started on that cheese sauce…
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 – 6
Ingredients
8 oz. elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like shells or penne)
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz. andouille sausage (sliced into 8 1/4-inch rounds)
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons Smoky Aardvark Chipotle-Hab Sauce
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides (about 4–5 minutes). Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Make the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Add Chipotle-Hab Sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, pepper jack, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat evenly.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
For a crispy topping, transfer the mac ‘n’ cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
Want more protein? Add cooked shrimp or shredded chicken along with the sausage!