Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese. But imagine adding a fiery twist with Cajun shrimp—creating a dish that combines the indulgence of cheesy pasta with the boldness of Cajun spice. Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of heat, savory flavor, and indulgent creaminess. If you’re ready to elevate your mac and cheese game, this recipe is for you.
Equipment
- Baking Dish 9 x 13 Casserole optional
- Baking Dish 9 x 13 inch - cast-iron optional
Ingredients
Cajun Shrimp:
- 2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 –2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Mac and Cheese:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 pounds fresh crab legs cooked and shelled OR 2 and ½ cups imitation crab meat, diced
- ¼ cup basil chopped + more for topping
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 to 2 and ⅔ cups evaporated milk
- ½ to 1 teaspoon paprika to taste
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese grated
- 2 cups Colby & Monterey jack cheese blend grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- Additional Cajun seasoning for topping
Instructions
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, until shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Set aside.
For the Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente; refer to the package for timing. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni with the cooked Cajun shrimp, crab meat, and chopped basil.
For the Cheese/Milk Mixture:
- In another large bowl, whisk together whole milk and evaporated milk. Add paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; adjust seasonings to taste.
- Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is well combined.
- Set aside 1 cup of sharp cheddar, ½ cup of colby & monterey jack blend, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese for topping. Stir the remaining cheeses into the milk mixture.
Assembly:
- Pour the cheese and milk mixture into the bowl with the macaroni, shrimp, and crab. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved cheeses and optionally sprinkle more basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Cover with foil around the 35-40 minute mark to prevent excessive browning.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 25-30 minutes to set before serving.
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