Name: Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 lbs fresh crab legs, cooked or 2½ cups imitation crab meat, diced; ¼ cup fresh or dried basil (+ extra for topping); 1 cup whole milk; 2–2⅔ cups evaporated milk; ½–1 teaspoon paprika (to taste); ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste); ½ teaspoon salt (to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 2 large eggs, beaten; 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated; 2 cups colby and Monterey jack cheese, grated; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; Cajun seasoning (for topping); 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; Pinch of salt; Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Description

Cajun shrimp and crab mac and cheese elevates classic comfort food with rich cheeses and succulent seafood, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 lbs fresh crab legs, cooked or 2½ cups imitation crab meat, diced
¼ cup fresh or dried basil (+ extra for topping)
1 cup whole milk
2–2⅔ cups evaporated milk
½–1 teaspoon paprika (to taste)
¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
2 large eggs, beaten
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups colby and Monterey jack cheese, grated
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Cajun seasoning (for topping)
2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Pinch of salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Read all notes before starting the recipe.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to coat well.
Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook, stirring constantly, until the shrimp turns pink, about 4-6 minutes. Set the shrimp aside.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook!
Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and transfer it to a large bowl. Mix in the sautéed shrimp, crab chunks, and basil. Set aside.
In another large bowl, combine whole milk and evaporated milk, whisking until smooth.
Add paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the milk mixture, whisking to combine. Taste to adjust seasonings to your liking.
Once satisfied, add the beaten eggs and mix until well combined.
Reserve 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of colby and Monterey jack cheese, and ½ cup of parmesan for topping.
Stir the remaining cheese into the milk mixture until well combined.
Pour the cheese mixture into the macaroni and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved cheeses. Sprinkle more basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning on top if desired.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden. Cover with foil at 35-40 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 25-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

If using fresh crab legs, ensure they are fully cooked and cooled before cracking. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the texture.