Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese

If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of the bayou, then this Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need. Packed with succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a medley of cheeses infused with Cajun seasoning, this recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both indulgent and full of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese hits all the right notes. The secret lies in the combination of rich, creamy cheese sauce balanced with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning that elevates the seafood to the spotlight. Using a blend of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack cheese ensures a smooth melt with a depth of flavor, while evaporated milk gives the sauce a velvety texture without thinning it out. The shrimp are seasoned and sautéed to perfection, locking in their natural sweetness, and the lump crab meat adds luxurious bursts of ocean flavor. Topping everything off with a crispy Parmesan and Panko crumb crust brings a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.

Whether you’re a mac and cheese purist or a seafood lover, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough for entertaining.

What Goes In

• 1 pound large elbow pasta – The classic choice for mac and cheese, perfectly holds the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons butter – For cooking the shrimp and adding richness.
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star protein, seasoned with Cajun spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning – Adds that signature Louisiana heat to the shrimp.
• 3 tablespoons butter – For the roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Works with butter to create a smooth roux base.
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk – Provides creaminess and moisture to the sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk – Enhances the richness and texture of the cheese sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning – Boosts the flavor of the cheese sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of heat and aroma.
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The backbone of the cheesy sauce.
• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese – Melts smoothly and balances the cheddar’s sharpness.
• 1 cup lump crab meat – Sweet and delicate, folded into the pasta for bursts of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter – For mixing with the topping.
• 1/3 cup Panko crumbs – Creates a crisp, golden topping.
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty crunch to the crust.

Recommended Tools

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
• Large skillet – To sauté the shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
• Medium saucepan – For making the cheese sauce.
• Wooden spoon or whisk – To stir the roux and prevent lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size for assembling and baking the mac and cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese grater – If shredding your own cheese.

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese, Made Easy

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of large elbow pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside. Toss the hot pasta with a little butter to keep it from sticking if desired.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid browning. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk until smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Season and Add Cheese

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Gradually add 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 3 cups shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Seafood, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and 1 cup lump crab meat to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup Panko crumbs, 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon melted butter until well combined.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the Panko-Parmesan topping over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to portion. Enjoy the creamy, spicy Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese with your favorite side salad or garlic bread.

What to Use Instead

• Pasta: Fusilli or cavatappi make great alternatives to elbow macaroni.
• Seafood: Replace shrimp with scallops or substitute crab meat with cooked lobster chunks.
• Milk: You can use half-and-half or cream for an even richer sauce.
• Cheese: Try smoked gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Topping: Use crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes instead of Panko crumbs.

Testing Timeline

• Tested pasta cooking time for perfect al dente texture (7-8 minutes).
• Adjusted Cajun seasoning levels for balanced heat without overpowering seafood.
• Experimented with evaporated milk ratio to achieve creamy, non-runny sauce.
• Tested baking times to ensure crispy topping while keeping cheese sauce smooth.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the topping crunchy, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

For freezing, place the assembled but unbaked mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C), extending the baking time by 15-20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping will lose its crispness.

Popular Questions

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then assemble right before baking. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to clean and prepare the seafood?

Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking, and gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells. Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood works best.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or canned crab meat?

Yes, but add pre-cooked shrimp and canned crab meat at the end of the cooking process just to warm through, avoiding overcooking which can make the seafood rubbery.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

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• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp – A quick and flavorful shrimp recipe that pairs well with pasta.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the recipe, tools, and tips to create this indulgent Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish promises to satisfy with its creamy texture, bold seasoning, and fresh seafood. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spice levels and cheese blends to make it your own. Serve it up with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Enjoy every cheesy, spicy, seafood-filled bite!

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