Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting the cheese sauce.

What type of crab meat works best?

Fresh lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture. However, imitation crab meat is a budget-friendly option that still tastes great.

Can I make this dish ahead?

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.

How do I know when the shrimp is done?

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.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is moderate. Adjust by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to match your preference.

Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese - Easy Recipe Books

Cajun Shrimp Crab Mac Cheese

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Author: Zara Blake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish / Seafood / Comfort Food

Ingredients

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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

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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.

Find it online: https://easyrecipebooks.com/cajun-shrimp-crab-mac-cheese/