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–+ servings
Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

This Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese offers decadent comfort food with customizable spice levels, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni Feel free to use any pasta shape you love!
For the Seafood
  • 2 lbs fresh crab legs or imitation crab meat Fresh crab brings a delicate flavor.
  • 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined Can mix in other seafood like lobster or scallops.
For the Cheesy Mixture
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated Any melting cheese can work as a substitute.
  • 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated Replace with your favorite cheeses if necessary.
  • 2 cups colby & Monterey Jack cheese, grated Similar cheeses can be swapped in.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Consider pecorino for a bolder flavor.
  • 2 large eggs, beaten Can be omitted for an egg-free version.
For the Dairy
  • 1 cup whole milk Low-fat milk can be a lighter alternative.
  • 2 - 2.67 cups evaporated milk Adjust based on desired richness.
For the Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup fresh or dried basil Fresh is best, but dried will do in a pinch!
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon paprika Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Use less for milder taste preferences.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing all flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Modify to your flavor intensity.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Feel free to use butter or another cooking oil.
  • Pinch of salt and pepper To season shrimp while cooking.
For Topping
  • Cajun seasoning Swap with your preferred spice blend as needed.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients for the Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season shrimp, and sauté for 4-6 minutes until cooked.
  3. Preheat Your Oven: Set oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
  5. Combine the Pasta and Seafood: In a bowl, mix macaroni with shrimp, crab meat, and basil.
  6. Whisk Together the Dairy Mixture: Mix milk, evaporated milk, spices, and eggs until smooth.
  7. Mix in the Cheeses: Stir grated cheeses into the pasta mixture and transfer to baking dish.
  8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining cheeses and Cajun seasoning on top.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 45-55 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Rest Before Serving: Allow to sit for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize spice levels and mix up seafood according to personal preference.

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