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High Protein Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Air Fryer Recipe)

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Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the protein
  • 6 oz chicken breast, diced (air-fried with Cajun seasoning)
  • 4 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (air-fried with Cajun seasoning)
For the mac base
  • 1 cup high-protein pasta (like Barilla Protein+ or Banza chickpea pasta)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 2% milk
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • ½ oz pub cheddar cheese or cheese spread
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping
  • ¼ cup crushed corn flakes
  • Cooking spray (avocado oil or olive oil)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta Boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the roux In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until it forms a smooth paste.
  3. Create the cheese sauce Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Add cheddar, Gruyère, and pub cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy. Mix in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine and layer Stir the cooked pasta, air-fried chicken, and shrimp into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  5. Add the crispy topping Transfer to an oven-safe dish or foil pan. Top with crushed corn flakes and a light spray of oil.
  6. Air fry until golden Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes , until the top is crisp and bubbling.