Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac and Cheese – A Creamy Southern Comfort Twist

There’s something irresistible about a bubbling, cheesy dish of homemade macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food – cozy, rich, and satisfying. But when you take that creamy base and layer it with plump Cajun-spiced shrimp, sweet chunks of crab meat, and a little kick of seasoning, you’ve got a Southern-inspired showstopper that turns dinner into an event.

This Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac and Cheese is indulgent, flavorful, and downright comforting. It blends the nostalgic coziness of classic mac with the luxurious taste of seafood, all tied together with Cajun flair. Imagine tender pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly, then topped with perfectly seared shrimp. This dish is as fitting for a weeknight family meal as it is for a holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces lump crab meat
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra for shrimp)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain, toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred. Remove and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Slowly add warm milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce heat and fold in cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.
7. Add the cooked pasta and gently stir until every piece is coated in the sauce.
8. Carefully fold in crab meat.
9. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shrimp, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if using).
10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh crab meat if possible – lump crab adds sweetness and texture.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp before baking; a quick sear keeps them tender.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash more cream before baking.

Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy Southern-style baked mac and cheese topped with Cajun shrimp and sweet crab meat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi

Seafood

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces lump crab meat

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning plus extra for shrimp
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

1. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, then set aside.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
5. Stir in Dijon, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cheeses and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Combine pasta with sauce and fold in crab meat.
8. Transfer to baking dish, top with shrimp, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Best served warm with fresh parsley. Can be made ahead and baked before serving.

Variations

• Swap crab for lobster chunks for an extra indulgent version.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or andouille sausage for more Cajun flair.

Serving Suggestions
This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a true Southern feast, serve alongside cornbread and collard greens.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen (without shrimp topping) for up to 2 months.

FAQ

• Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, but add them only at the end to avoid rubbery texture.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, assemble the mac and cheese without shrimp, refrigerate, then bake and top with freshly cooked shrimp before serving.

History / Fun Facts
Macaroni and cheese has deep roots in Southern cuisine, often served as a staple at family gatherings and holidays. The Cajun twist comes from Louisiana’s bold seasoning traditions, blending French, Spanish, and African influences. Combining shrimp and crab makes this dish a nod to the Gulf Coast’s rich seafood culture.