Louisiana Mac And Cheese With Spaghetti Noodles
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by Americans for generations. However, this Louisiana-inspired version of mac and cheese with spaghetti noodles takes the classic dish to a whole new level. Made with a blend of cheeses, spicy andouille sausage, and Cajun spices, this mac and cheese recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and cook. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the andouille sausage
In a large skillet, cook the sliced andouille sausage until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the cheese sauce
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine the pasta and sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and browned andouille sausage to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
Step 6: Bake the mac and cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer the mac and cheese to the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
This Louisiana-inspired mac and cheese with spaghetti noodles is a unique and delicious twist on the classic comfort food. The blend of cheeses, spicy andouille sausage, and Cajun spices create a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for your family or a crowd, this mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit.
