Creole Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 box elbow macaroni , 8 ounce
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , divided
• 12 ounces uncooked medium shrimp , peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning , such as Tony Chachere's®
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.

2. 2

   While macaroni is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp; sprinkle with Creole seasoning. Cook, stirring continually, for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until shrimp is pink, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat.

3. 3

   Drain macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking; set aside. Return the pasta pot to the stove and melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add half-and-half; heat for 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Whisk in cheeses until melted, about 5 minutes. Add mustard; cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat.

5. 5

   Add reserved macaroni and shrimp. Stir until heated through. Serve immediately.