If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, look no further than this Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of Southern spice and the rich flavors of shrimp and crab. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked—it’s decadent, savory, and a little bit spicy, with a texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this is a dish that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese
This isn’t your average mac and cheese. With juicy shrimp, tender crab, and a zesty Cajun kick, this dish takes comfort food to the next level. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a main dish for a family dinner or as a side at a BBQ, this mac and cheese is perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Budget-Friendly: While it might sound fancy, you can make this dish without breaking the bank, thanks to affordable ingredients like pasta, cheese, and frozen shrimp or crab.
Quick and Easy: It’s simpler than it sounds! With a few key steps, you’ll have a luxurious, mouthwatering dish in no time. No need for complicated cooking methods—just a creamy sauce and your favorite seafood.
Customizable: Spice it up with more Cajun seasoning or add some extra cheese to make it even more indulgent. You can even switch out the shrimp and crab for other seafood or meats!
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of cheesy pasta, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and crab is always a hit. Whether you’re serving kids or adults, everyone will love this dish.
Ingredients in Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese
Now let’s talk about the ingredients that will make this creamy, flavorful mac and cheese so unforgettable:
Macaroni: The base of this dish. The pasta will soak up the creamy cheese sauce, giving each bite a rich, satisfying texture.
Shrimp: Plump, tender shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor. Whether fresh or frozen, shrimp will complement the richness of the cheese sauce.
Crab Meat: Sweet, tender crab meat brings a luxurious touch. It’s the perfect pairing with the shrimp to make this dish extra special.
Butter: The base for our creamy cheese sauce. It brings richness to the sauce and helps everything come together beautifully.
Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it smooth and velvety.
Heavy Cream: For extra richness and that ultra-creamy texture you crave in mac and cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar adds that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love in mac and cheese.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Smooth and creamy, it melts beautifully into the sauce for an extra creamy finish.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! This seasoning blend adds a spicy, zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
Garlic: A little bit of garlic enhances the flavor of the seafood and sauce, bringing it all together.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese sauce.
Green Onions: For a pop of color and a little bit of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and color, making your mac and cheese even more irresistible.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this decadent dish!
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp & Crab: In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they’re pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. If using crab, gently fold it in after the shrimp is cooked. Remove both from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and coated with that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Garnish & Serve: Top with green onions and an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or paprika for a little color. Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, seafood-packed dish!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480
(Notes: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese
This Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese is filling enough to stand on its own, but here are some ideas for sides to pair it with:
- A crisp, refreshing green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread or buttery rolls to scoop up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add a healthy touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese turns out perfectly:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth when making the cheese sauce for added depth.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Spice it up: If you like your mac and cheese extra spicy, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?
Yes, frozen shrimp and crab work perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. - Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prep the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure! You can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. - Can I add more cheese?
Definitely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you like. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. - Can I make this dish without crab?
Yes, you can simply omit the crab or substitute it with another seafood like scallops or lobster. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some diced jalapeños to give it more heat. - Can I use a different seasoning mix?
Of course! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try using Creole seasoning or a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. - Can I freeze Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese?
Yes! You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Make sure the heat is low when adding the cheese to the sauce, and stir constantly to keep everything smooth and creamy.
Conclusion
This Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with a creamy, cheesy sauce and just the right amount of spice. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it up for your family, friends, or just as a treat for yourself—you’ll be going back for seconds, guaranteed!
Print
Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic mac and cheese. With succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings while delivering the perfect comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
– 1 lb elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
For the Shrimp and Crab:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 lb lump crab meat
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 1/2 cups whole milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
4. For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.
5. Gradually add the milk, whisking to remove any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, whisking until melted and smooth.
7. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
8. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab to the sauce, mixing until well coated.
9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Cajun seasoning or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
– If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
– You can use other types of pasta such as penne or shells if you prefer.
– This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 160mg