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Ridiculously Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

Decadent mac and cheese packed with cajun shrimp, crab, and three cheeses. Prep and cool in under 2 hours. A stellar pick for occasions.
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Rose
Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:23:32 GMT
Seafood Cajun Mac and Cheese Pin it
Seafood Cajun Mac and Cheese | lovelylifewithrose.com

A classic macaroni and cheese gets an elegant coastal upgrade with succulent seafood and bold Cajun spices. This indulgent dish combines sweet crabmeat and perfectly seasoned shrimp with a luxuriously creamy four-cheese sauce. The result is a comforting yet sophisticated pasta that's worthy of special occasions while still being approachable enough for a family dinner.

Key Ingredients

  • Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Premium lump crabmeat or imitation crab
  • Extra sharp cheddar for robust flavor
  • Colby and Monterey Jack for smooth melting
  • Whole milk and evaporated milk for richness
  • Fresh garlic and quality Cajun seasoning blend
Easy Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe Pin it
Easy Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe | lovelylifewithrose.com

Essential Preparation Steps

  1. Cook pasta just beyond al dente
  2. Season and sauté shrimp until pink
  3. Prepare cheese sauce by gradually melting cheeses into warm milk mixture
  4. Combine components carefully to preserve seafood pieces
  5. Top with cheese and seasonings before baking until golden

Achieving Perfect Texture

The signature creamy consistency comes from properly tempering the dairy and adding cheese gradually. Combining whole milk with evaporated milk creates an exceptionally smooth base that prevents separation during baking. The careful balance of sharp and melting cheeses ensures both flavor depth and ideal texture.

Seafood Selection

Select large, firm shrimp that will retain their texture during cooking. The Cajun seasoning should coat each piece evenly. Distribute seafood throughout the dish to ensure consistent flavor in every portion. Quality crabmeat adds sweet notes that complement the rich cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Present directly from the oven while the cheese is still bubbling and the top is golden brown. The aroma of Cajun spices and seafood will draw everyone to the table. Consider making extra as second helpings are inevitable.

Customization Options

Adjust heat levels by varying cayenne pepper amount. Add sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture. Consider a crispy breadcrumb topping for added crunch. The basic recipe provides an excellent foundation for personal modifications.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. While best served hot, the flavors continue developing when chilled.

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe Pin it
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe | lovelylifewithrose.com

Technical Tips

Allow dairy products to reach room temperature before cooking. Adjust seasoning levels based on taste preferences. Use foil to prevent over-browning during baking.

This elevated mac and cheese transforms an everyday dish into a memorable culinary experience, perfect for special gatherings or when craving sophisticated comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I swap in imitation crab?
Absolutely, just use 2 1/2 cups of imitation crab instead of fresh crab meat.
→ How spicy will this turn out?
You can control the heat levels—start easy with the cajun seasoning and cayenne, then adjust to your liking.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best fresh, but can be warmed up later. Stir in some milk when reheating so it stays creamy.
→ What would go great with it?
A crisp green salad pairs wonderfully to lighten up this rich dish.
→ Is freezing this a good option?
Not a good move since dairy-based sauces don’t freeze well—they can separate when thawed.

Seafood Cajun Mac & Cheese

Indulgent mac and cheese brimming with flavorful cajun shrimp, sweet crab, and a mix of three heavenly cheeses.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13 pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Spicy Cajun Shrimp

01 About 2 lbs of shrimp, deveined and without shells
02 2 tablespoons of olive oil
03 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun spices
04 A small pinch of salt
05 A dash of freshly cracked black pepper

→ Macaroni and Cheese Foundation

06 3 cups of dry elbow-shaped macaroni
07 2 pounds of already-cooked fresh crab legs, or 2 1/2 cups imitation crab if needed
08 1/4 cup of fresh or dried basil (keep extra for garnish)
09 1 cup of full-fat milk
10 2 to 2 2/3 cups of evaporated milk
11 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of paprika
12 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
13 1/2 teaspoon of table salt
14 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
15 2 big eggs, whisked until smooth

→ Blend of Cheeses

16 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar
17 2 cups of shredded mild cheddar
18 2 cups of Colby with monterey jack cheese, grated or shredded
19 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
20 Extra Cajun spices to sprinkle on top

Instructions

Step 01

Coat the shrimp with olive oil, your Cajun seasoning, salt, and some black pepper. Pop them into a sizzling hot pan and cook for 4-6 minutes until they turn a pretty pink color. Put aside once done.

Step 02

Boil the macaroni in some water with salt until it's just cooked through but still firm. Drain the water and then mix with the cooked shrimp, crab, and basil.

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat together both types of milk, the seasonings, and eggs. Keep some cheese aside for sprinkling later, and mix the rest into this milk mixture.

Step 04

Mix the cheesy milk combo with the pasta mix. Pour it all into a greased 9x13 dish. Scatter the cheese you saved earlier on top, along with a bit of seasoning.

Step 05

Put it in a 350°F oven for around 45-55 minutes. Cover with foil after 35-40 minutes to prevent over-browning. Take it out and let it sit for 25-30 minutes before digging in.

Notes

  1. Feel free to tweak the spices if you like it milder or spicier.
  2. More evaporated milk makes it even creamier if that’s your thing.
  3. Let the dish sit for a bit after cooking so it firms up nicely.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking pan that's about 9x13 inches
  • A big skillet or frying pan
  • A spacious pot to cook the pasta
  • Large bowls for mixing things together

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish includes shellfish (shrimp, crab).
  • Contains dairy products like milk and cheese.
  • Eggs are also included in this recipe.
  • The pasta used here has gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 750
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 52 g