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Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese

Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese combines creamy cheese, succulent shrimp, and sweet crab for an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings. Dive into this cheesy goodness tonight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 570

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Large Elbow Pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 pound Shrimp Peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole Seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons Butter
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Evaporated Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 3 cups Shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 1 cup Crab Meat
  • 1 tablespoon Melted Butter
  • 1/3 cup Panko Crumbs
  • 1/3 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Equipment

  • Pasta Pot
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water. Drain, return to pot, and set aside.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Note: Shrimp will cook more in the oven so undecook them a little. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to skillet and place over medium heat. When melted, add flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in whole milk and then evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  6. Turn Heat to low. Set 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Colby Jack cheese aside. Add the remaining cheese a handful at a time to the skillet, stirring until melted before adding the next handful.
  7. Stir in crab and shrimp. Pour cheese mixture over pasta. Stir to mix. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the 1 cup of cheese that was set aside on top. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes. If you want it a little more golden on top, broil for a few minutes.

Notes

  • Tip: Shred your own cheese for best flavor instead of buying preshredded cheese.