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Seafood Mac and Cheese


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A creamy and indulgent dish that combines rich cheese, tender pasta, and succulent seafood. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. This Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb crab meat (or lobster, if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the seafood: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet. In the same skillet, cook crab meat (or lobster) for another 2-3 minutes. Set both aside.
  • Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the cheeses: Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Combine: Add the cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated and heated through.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Feel free to mix in your favorite seafood options such as scallops or lobster for a richer flavor.
  • You can bake this dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for a crispy, golden crust.
  • For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of the dish)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg