Go Back
Crawfish Mac And Cheese Recipe

Crawfish Mac And Cheese Recipe

Samia
You’ll love this Crawfish Mac And Cheese Recipe for so many reasons! First, it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold, flavourful ingredients. The creamy cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta, while the crawfish adds a unique, savoury twist that takes the dish to the next level.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern, Cajun
Servings 6 servings
Calories 530 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 pound crawfish tails cooked and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook The Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Saute The Vegetables And Crawfish

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and saute until translucent, about 20 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 40 minutes. Add the cooked crawfish tails and cook for another 20 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare The Cheese Sauce

  • In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the remaining butter and whisk continuously for about 40 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to achieve a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Season The Sauce

  • Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine All Ingredients

  • Add the sautéed vegetables and crawfish mixture to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Transfer To Baking Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the macaroni mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare The Topping

  • In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Bake The Dish

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Garnish And Serve

  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve the Crawfish Mac And Cheese Recipe warm, enjoying the creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 530 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Sodium: 850mg
Keyword Crawfish Mac And Cheese Recipe