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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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.