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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese

cajun shrimp and crab mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a spicy Cajun kick, featuring tender shrimp and sweet crab meat. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) macaroni pasta, elbow or small shells
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed before use)
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) crab meat, fresh or canned lump crab (picked over for shells)
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (or 2% milk as substitute)
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing shrimp)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in thawed shrimp and sprinkle with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add crab meat and gently warm with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and a pinch of salt. Stir carefully to avoid breaking lumps. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook roux for about 2 minutes until light golden.
  5. Slowly pour in milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning carefully.
  8. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab into the cheese sauce. Gently fold to combine without breaking up seafood.
  9. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes to heat through and let flavors marry. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

If cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen before combining. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and creaminess. For gluten-free, substitute flour and pasta accordingly. Dairy-free options include almond or oat milk and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, shrimp, crab, mac and cheese, seafood, creamy, spicy, comfort food

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-and-crab-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-seafood-lovers/