Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a classic dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This creamy pasta bake combines tender shrimp and succulent crab with a rich blend of cheeses, all infused with zesty Cajun seasoning for an explosion of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is both easy to prepare and sure to impress. The contrasting textures of creamy cheese and hearty pasta make every bite a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 lbs Fresh Crab legs, cooked OR 2 1/2 cups imitation crab meat, diced
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh or dried basil + more for topping
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 – 2 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 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Cook shrimp for about 4-6 minutes until pink; set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly butter a baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Mix cooked shrimp, crab meat, and basil into the pasta.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, evaporated milk, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs; stir in remaining cheeses except those reserved for topping.
- Combine cheese mixture with pasta; pour into the baking dish.
- Top with reserved cheeses and additional seasonings.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown; let sit for 25-30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg