Creamy Cajun Mac & Cheese

For the macaroni

In a large pot of water, cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and place back in pot, cover and set aside.

In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium high heat and sauté diced vegetables until tender crisp. Season with salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove vegetables from frying pan, cover and set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, combine panko bread crumbs and melted butter. Stir to combine then set aside.

For the cheese sauce

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute or two.

Add in all seasonings, dry mustard and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Begin to add in milk, adding one cup at a time while whisking. The mixture will be super thick! Add remaining milk and continue to whisk until smooth and bubbling.

Add in hot sauce and give everything a stir.

Add in cheese and whisk until smooth. Set cheese sauce aside.

To assemble

Preheat oven to 400. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

To the prepared pan, add in noodles and cooked vegetables. Stir until combine.

Next drizzle over cheese sauce. Give everything a big stir until noodles are totally coated.

Top mixture with prepared panko bread crumbs.

Bake for 15 minutes then switch oven to low broil. Broil until bread crumbs are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye so the top doesn’t burn!

Top with cilantro if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy!