Easy seafood comfort food (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Seafood & Proteins

01 - 8 oz frozen cooked salad shrimp, thawed
02 - 8 oz imitation crab, roughly chopped
03 - 1/4 cup crispy bacon pieces, crumbled

→ Vegetables & Base

04 - 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, and peas)
05 - 10.75 oz can condensed cream of shrimp soup
06 - 1/3 cup milk

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 2-3 teaspoons Creole seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Crust & Toppings

11 - 15 oz package refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
12 - 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
13 - 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

# Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shrimp, frozen vegetables, cream of shrimp soup, and milk. Stir gently until the shrimp and veggies begin to thaw.
02 - Add the chopped imitation crab, crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Creole seasoning. Stir until everything is well incorporated into the sauce. Continue cooking for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thoroughly heated and the cheese has completely melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Lightly coat a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully unroll the first pie crust and lay it in the dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides.
04 - Spoon the seafood mixture evenly into the pie crust. Sprinkle the remaining cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the filling.
05 - Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Press the edges together to seal the pot pie. Cut 2-3 small slits in the center of the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top gently with melted butter.
06 - Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Remove from oven and let the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing - this helps the filling set up nicely.

# Notes:

01 - This extravagant twist on classic pot pie combines the flavors of crab, shrimp, and bacon for a delicious meal that won't break your budget.
02 - For a more luxurious version, substitute real crab meat for the imitation crab.
03 - Don't skip the resting period after baking - it allows the filling to thicken to the perfect consistency.