Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. But what if we took this beloved classic and gave it a Southern twist?
Enter the Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese—a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with the bold spices of Cajun cuisine. This recipe takes everything you love about traditional mac and cheese and elevates it with succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients Needed
Fresh Seafood Selection
To make this dish truly special, you’ll want to start with the freshest seafood you can find. Look for large, plump shrimp—preferably wild-caught—for the best flavor and texture. As for the crab, lump crab meat is ideal, offering a sweet, delicate flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Cheese Varieties for the Ultimate Creaminess
The cheese is what makes or breaks a mac and cheese dish. For this recipe, a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of tang. You can also add a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
Seasonings for That Cajun Kick
Cajun seasoning is the star of this dish, bringing in a mix of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. A dash of hot sauce and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning can further enhance the flavors, giving the dish that signature Cajun heat.
Preparing the Seafood
Cleaning and Prepping the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. If you’re working with fresh shrimp, be sure to remove the tails as well. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures that they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the seasoning.
Picking and Preparing the Crab Meat
If you’re using fresh crab, you’ll need to pick through the meat to remove any shell fragments. Lump crab meat usually comes pre-cooked, so it’s ready to go right into the dish. Just be sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
Cooking the Seafood to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, sauté the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Next, gently warm the crab meat in the same skillet, just until it’s heated through.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Choosing the Right Cheese
The key to a luscious cheese sauce is the cheese selection. Use a combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a little Parmesan. Grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Creating a Creamy Base
In a large saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking it until it’s lightly golden. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens. This forms the creamy base for your cheese sauce.
Adding Seasonings and Flavorings
Once your base is ready, start adding the grated cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in Cajun seasoning, a splash of hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper or even some red pepper flakes.
Cooking the Pasta
Selecting the Ideal Pasta Shape
Macaroni is the traditional choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other shapes like cavatappi, rotini, or shells. These pasta shapes have ridges and grooves that trap the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Cooking Pasta Al Dente
Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven once it’s mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Pasta with the Sauce
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated. Then, gently fold in the sautéed shrimp and warmed crab meat, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Assembling the Dish
Combining Seafood, Pasta, and Cheese Sauce
Pour the seafood and pasta mixture into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The combination of rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and succulent seafood is already irresistible, but we’re not done yet.
Adding a Crunchy Topping
Top the dish with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra flavor boost, you can mix in a little melted butter and Cajun seasoning with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them over the top.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Side Dishes
This Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese is rich and filling on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, consider light, fresh side dishes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some steamed vegetables, can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
Best Drinks to Complement the Dish
A glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the seafood and creamy sauce. If you prefer beer, a light lager or a citrusy IPA would complement the dish’s flavors without overwhelming them.
Garnishing for Extra Flavor
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A few dashes of hot sauce can also be added at the table for those who like a bit of extra heat.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese
Choosing Fresh Ingredients
Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in this dish. Whenever possible, opt for fresh seafood, freshly grated cheese, and real butter to achieve the best results.
Balancing the Cajun Spice Level
Cajun seasoning can vary in heat, so taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more gradually.
Making Ahead and Reheating
This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese is a mouthwatering dish that combines the comfort of traditional mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. With its creamy cheese sauce, succulent seafood, and just the right amount of spice, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. But what if we took this beloved classic and gave it a Southern twist? Enter the Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese—a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with the bold spices of Cajun cuisine. This recipe takes everything you love about traditional mac and cheese and elevates it with succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
- CAJUN SHRIMP:
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (if frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- MAC AND CHEESE:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2Ibs Fresh Crab legs, cooked OR 2 and ½ cups imitation crab meat, diced
- ¼ cup fresh or dried basil + more for topping
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 - 2 and ⅔ cups evaporated milk
- ½ - 1 teaspoon Paprika, or to taste (see notes)
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, or to taste (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ 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
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Cajun seasoning, for topping
Instructions
FOR THE CAJUN SHRIMP:
- Read the notes before beginning the recipe.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. In a medium bowl, add shrimp, olive oil, cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to combine and coat the shrimp.
- Once skillet is hot, add shrimp and cook, stirring constantly until shrimp is pink, 4-6 minutes. Set aside.
FOR THE PASTA:
- Preheat oven to 350F (177C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (look at package directions to see how long it takes). Do not overcook.
- Drain well and transfer cooked pasta to a large bowl. Mix in Cajun shrimp, crab chunks and basil. Set aside.
FOR THE CHEESE/MILK MIXTURE:
- In a large bowl, add milk and evaporated milk and whisk to combine. Add paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Taste the milk and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Once you're satisfied with the taste, add the eggs and beat until mixture is combined.
- Set aside 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of colby & monterey, and ½ cup of Parmesan. Add the remaining cheese to the milk mixture and stir to combine.
ASSEMBLY OF THE MAC AND CHEESE:
- Pour cheese mixture into macaroni and stir to combine. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with reserved cheeses. Sprinkle more basil, paprika, salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning on top (optional).
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until top is golden. Cover the top with foil around the 35-40 minute mark, making sure it doesn't touch the cheese. Remove from oven and let it sit for about 25-30 minutes to set before serving.