Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, shells removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 to 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook while whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
- Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Lump crab meat provides the best texture and sweetness for this dish.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in a small amount of cream cheese for an even creamier sauce.
- For a crunchy topping, add buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
- Other seafood like scallops or lobster can be used for a richer variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
