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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Seafood Mac and Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers

Indulge in the creamy richness of Seafood Mac and Cheese, filled with shrimp, crab, and lobster for a luxurious comfort meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni or cavatappi or shells
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter for the roux
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour to thicken the sauce
  • 4 cups Whole Milk warmed
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream for richness
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard for flavor
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning or Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • ½ tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper for spice
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
For the Seafood
  • ½ lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ½ lb Lump Crab Meat
  • ½ lb Scallops cut in half
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter for sautéing
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs for crunch
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese for topping

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Seafood: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Fold in lump crab meat, season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes for roux. Gradually add warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Fold cooked pasta and seafood into cheese sauce until well coated.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Mix panko with butter and sprinkle over top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. If using frozen seafood, thaw and pat dry beforehand. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

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