Seafood Mac and Cheese
Indulge in a rich and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese made with shrimp, lobster, or crab. This luxurious twist on a classic comfort food is easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp or lobster, crab, scallops – peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or favorite pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for topping
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Seafood
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seafood and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes (until shrimp is pink, lobster/crab is opaque, or scallops are seared).
- Remove from heat, chop into bite-sized pieces (if needed), and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 4 tbsp flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly.
- Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine the Pasta & Seafood
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat.
- Gently fold in cooked seafood for even distribution.
Optional: Bake for a Crispy Topping
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve & Garnish
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley or chives.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Seafood Substitutions: Swap shrimp for lobster, crab, or scallops.
- Cheese Variations: Try smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating for a creamy texture.