Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese is loaded with spicy seafood flavor. With 3 types of cheese and a buttery panko crumb topping, this mac and cheese is extra indulgent and perfect for a special occasion.
Servings: 8
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound large elbow pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon cajun or creole seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cups shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup lump crab meat
Topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/3 cup Panko crumbs
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water. Drain, return to pot, and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cook for about 2 minutes per side.Note: Shrimp will cook more in the oven so undecook them a little.Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add 3 tablespoons of butter to skillet and place over medium heat. When melted, add flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk and then evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Turn Heat to low. Set 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Colby Jack cheese aside. Add the remaining cheese a handful at a time to the skillet, stirring until melted before adding the next handful.
- Stir in crab and shrimp.Pour Cheese mixture over pasta. Stir to mix. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of cheese that was set aside on top.Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes. If you want it a little more golden on top, broil for a few minutes.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for best flavor instead of buying preshredded cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 805kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 1258mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1499IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 893mg | Iron: 2mg