Seafood Mac and Cheese

Here’s a rich and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe with a luxurious twist—perfect for seafood lovers!

Seafood Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the Pasta & Seafood:

• 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi/shells)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster, or scallops, peeled & deveined)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère (or mozzarella for meltiness)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun spice for kick)

For Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with a little oil, and set aside.

2. Sauté Seafood: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add garlic, seafood, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink (2–3 mins). Remove from heat.

3. Make Roux: In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 mins until golden.

4. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer 3–4 mins until slightly thickened.

5. Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted. Add mustard powder and Old Bay.

6. Combine: Fold in cooked pasta and seafood. Adjust seasoning.

7. Optional Topping: Mix panko with melted butter. Sprinkle over mac and cheese. Broil 2–3 mins until golden.

8. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Tips:

• For Lobster Mac: Use cooked lobster meat for a decadent version.

• Spice It Up: Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat.

• Make Ahead: Assemble without baking, refrigerate, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 mins.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seafood goodness—this dish is a showstopper! 🧀🦞🍤