Seafood Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Super creamy cheesy pasta paired with cajun shrimp, crabmeat, and a trio of melting cheeses. A comfort food classic.
# Ingredients:
→ Cajun Shrimp
01 -
2 tablespoons of olive oil
02 -
A pinch each of black pepper and salt
03 -
2 lbs of shrimp, cleaned and peeled
04 -
1-2 tablespoons of Cajun spice mix
→ Mac and Cheese Base
05 -
3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni
06 -
One-quarter to half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper
07 -
2 lbs of cooked crab (or 2 1/2 cups of imitation crab meat)
08 -
A quarter cup of basil (fresh or dried), and extra for garnish
09 -
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
10 -
1 cup of whole milk
11 -
Salt, about 1/2 tsp
12 -
2 to 2 2/3 cups of evaporated milk
13 -
Two large beaten eggs
14 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese Mixture
15 -
2 cups of grated Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
16 -
4 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
17 -
A half cup of grated Parmesan cheese
18 -
2 cups of grated mild cheddar cheese
19 -
Extra Cajun spice for garnish
# Directions:
01 -
Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot pan for 4-6 minutes until they turn pink. Put them to the side for now.
02 -
Boil macaroni in salted water until it's just cooked (al dente). Drain it, then mix it with crab, shrimp, and the basil.
03 -
Beat together the eggs, whole milk, evaporated milk, and spices. Leave some cheese aside for the topping, and stir the rest into this mixture.
04 -
Gently mix the macaroni with your cheese sauce. Spread this mixture in a greased 9x13 pan, sprinkle with the saved cheese and seasonings.
05 -
Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 45-55 minutes. Cover it with foil around the 35-minute mark to avoid burning. Let it sit for about half an hour before enjoying.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
02 -
Adding more evaporated milk makes it creamier.
03 -
Let it rest before eating so it holds its shape better.