Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound large elbow pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon cajun or creole seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or creole seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup lump crab meat

Topping

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/3 cup Panko crumbs
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Equipment Pasta Pot, 9x13-inch baking dish

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. 2

   Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water. Drain, return to pot, and set aside.

3. 3

   Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Note: Shrimp will cook more in the oven so undecook them a little. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

4. 4

   Add 3 tablespoons of butter to skillet and place over medium heat. When melted, add flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Gradually whisk in whole milk and then evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.

6. 6

   Turn Heat to low. Set 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Colby Jack cheese aside. Add the remaining cheese a handful at a time to the skillet, stirring until melted before adding the next handful.

7. 7

   Stir in crab and shrimp. Pour Cheese mixture over pasta. Stir to mix. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the 1 cup of cheese that was set aside on top. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.

9. 9

   Bake for 20 minutes. If you want it a little more golden on top, broil for a few minutes.

Notes