CRAWFISH MAC AND CHEESE

Crawfish Mac and Cheese image

Provided by gailanng

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup diced pancetta
1/2 cup small diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk or 3 cups half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 lb cooked and peeled crawfish tail, with any fat
1 lb orecchiette or 1 small shell pasta, cooked al dente, drained
4 ounces grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
4 ounces grated white cheddar cheese
4 ounces grated gruyere
4 ounces grated fontina
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence (or Cajun seasoning)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Set a large, wide-mouthed 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta to the pot and cook the pancetta until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the butter and flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the milk or half-and-half and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with the salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and cook for 3 minutes. Add the crawfish to the pot and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and fold in the cooked pasta and grated cheeses. Stir to combine well.
Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish such as a 9 by 13-inch casserole. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the Essence and sprinkle over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered until golden brown and bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.4, Fat 29, SaturatedFat 15.6, Cholesterol 138.6, Sodium 845.1, Carbohydrate 55, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 2.7, Protein 36.8