Cajun Surf & Soul Feast with Mac ‘n Cheese & Asparagus

This plate is straight-up fire from the sea and comfort from the South! We’ve got blackened shrimp, buttery crab legs, oven-baked mac and cheese, and garlicky asparagus all bringing the heat and flavor. Whether it’s date night or Sunday dinner, this one's made to impress!

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:

For the Cajun Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 garlic clove, minced

For the Garlic Butter Crab:

1 lb crab legs or crab meat

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Fresh parsley, chopped

Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Mac ‘n Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mozzarella

1/4 cup Parmesan

1 cup milk

2 tbsp butter

Salt, pepper & paprika to taste

For the Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper

Optional: squeeze of lemon

𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

Bake the Mac: Cook pasta. In a pot, melt butter, stir in milk and cheeses. Mix with pasta. Season and pour into a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins until golden on top.

Sauté the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, melt butter with oil, add garlic and shrimp. Sear 2–3 mins per side until cooked through and blackened.

Crab Time: Warm crab meat in melted butter with garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and parsley. Heat gently, don’t overcook.

Cook the Asparagus: Toss in oil, season with salt & pepper. Grill or pan-sear 3–5 mins until crisp-tender.

Assemble & Serve: Plate shrimp, crab, mac, and asparagus together. Sprinkle extra parsley if you’re feelin’ fancy.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cooking Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Calories: ~850 kcal

Servings: 2