Description
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese is a creamy and flavorful twist on classic comfort food. This dish combines bold Cajun spices, tender shrimp, and luscious cheeses for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 lbs fresh crab legs, cooked OR 2 and 1/2 cups imitation crab meat, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh or dried basil + more for topping
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 – 2 and 2/3 cups evaporated milk
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon paprika, or to taste
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups colby & monterey jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Cajun seasoning, for topping
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (if frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by tossing it with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until pink (about 4–6 minutes) and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and combine with shrimp, imitation crab meat, and basil in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix whole milk and evaporated milk with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs until well combined.
- Stir in most of the cheeses into the milk mixture; reserve some for topping.
- Pour cheesy mixture over macaroni; stir well before transferring to the baking dish. Top with reserved cheeses and additional seasonings if desired.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden brown; let sit for 25–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish is great for family dinners or gatherings.
- You can use fresh or imitation crab meat based on availability.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg