The first bite hits with creamy, cheesy comfort and a little spicy kick.
This Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac and Cheese is rich, bold, and packed with seafood flavor that melts in your mouth.
I made it one weekend when I wanted something indulgent and warm.
The tender shrimp, sweet crab, and smoky Cajun spice make every forkful irresistible.
If you love creamy pasta with a little heat and a lot of flavor, this one’s for you.
Let’s stir it up and bring a little Southern comfort to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Tastes like a meal from your favorite seafood restaurant.
- Four Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan create the perfect creamy sauce.
- Loaded with Seafood: Juicy shrimp and tender crab meat make every bite special.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish feeds a crowd and always gets compliments.
- Adjustable Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 8-10 people as a main dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks. You can easily cut the recipe in half for smaller gatherings.
Difficulty: Easy to medium. The steps are simple, but timing the pasta and seafood correctly helps get the best results.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or pan for cooking shrimp
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Colander for draining pasta
- Whisk for mixing sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese
This recipe brings together fresh seafood and a rich cheese sauce. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
For the Seafood:
- Shrimp: Use medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined for easy eating.
- Crab Meat: Fresh crab legs or quality imitation crab meat both work well.
- Olive Oil: Helps cook the shrimp and adds moisture.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings the signature spicy, smoky flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to your taste.
For the Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice that holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Whole Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base.
- Evaporated Milk: Makes the sauce extra rich and thick.
- Eggs: Help bind the cheese sauce and give it a custard-like texture.
- Basil: Adds a fresh, herbal note.
- Paprika: Brings color and mild sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds extra heat for those who like it spicy.
For the Cheese Blend:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy flavor.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess without too much bite.
- Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild, buttery taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish.
Variations for Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese
- Add Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use Different Pasta: Try shells, cavatappi, or penne instead of elbow macaroni.
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper.
- Lobster Version: Swap crab for lobster meat for an even more luxurious dish.
- Bread Crumb Topping: Sprinkle panko mixed with melted butter and Parmesan on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of evaporated milk to reduce richness.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Crab Meat
If using crab legs, remove the meat from the shells and break into bite-sized pieces. If using imitation crab, chop it into chunks. Set aside with the cooked shrimp.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine whole milk and evaporated milk. Warm the mixture gently without boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add a small amount of the warm milk to the eggs while whisking to prevent scrambling. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and stir constantly.
5. Add the Cheese
Gradually add the sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with basil, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine Everything
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until every piece is coated. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat.
7. Bake
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese
This hearty dish works well as a main course. Here are some serving ideas:
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrition.
- With Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch complements the creamy, spicy mac and cheese.
- Garnish Ideas: Top with fresh chopped basil, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Storing Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess. Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery. Watch them closely and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Grating your own cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Temper the Eggs: Adding eggs directly to hot milk can cause them to scramble. Always add a small amount of hot liquid to the eggs first, then combine.
- Season Throughout: Taste and adjust seasoning at each step. Seafood and pasta both need proper salting.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes serving cleaner.
- Watch the Spice Level: Start with less Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can always add more at the table.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/10 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 185mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Calcium | 450mg |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintCajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Seafood / Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound crab legs or imitation crab meat
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby & Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 8 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Crab: Remove crab meat from shells and break into pieces. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, warm whole milk and evaporated milk over low heat. Whisk eggs in a bowl. Add a small amount of warm milk to eggs, whisking constantly. Pour egg mixture back into saucepan.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add all four cheeses to the milk mixture, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with remaining Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix pasta with cheese sauce. Fold in shrimp and crab meat.
- Bake: Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest: Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese FAQs
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting the cheese sauce.
Fresh lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture. However, imitation crab meat is a budget-friendly option that still tastes great.
Yes, assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, or add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink and opaque with a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp curls into a tight O-shape and becomes tough.
The eggs help create a custard-like texture and bind the sauce. You can skip them, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
The spice level is moderate. Adjust by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to match your preference.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese brings together the best of seafood and comfort food in one satisfying dish. The combination of tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and four melted cheeses creates a meal that feels special without being complicated. The Cajun spices add warmth and depth, while the creamy sauce makes every bite rich and comforting.
This recipe works perfectly for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to serve something that feels a little extra. The steps are straightforward, and the results always impress. Once you make this mac and cheese, it might become your new favorite way to enjoy seafood.
