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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Delicious Seafood Mac and Cheese for Cozy Family Nights

Seafood Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that combines shrimp, crab, and cheese for a delightful family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni substitute with cavatappi or shells for a fun twist
  • 1 tbsp Salt to enhance flavor during boiling
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter essential for creating the roux
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour thickens the sauce
  • 4 cups Whole Milk warm before adding
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream adds a rich texture
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard optional for flavor depth
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning intensifies seafood flavor
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder adds an extra layer of flavor
  • 1/2 tsp Salt to balance all flavors
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper provides a touch of seasoning
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded, for tanginess
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese shredded, for creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, for savory depth
For the Seafood
  • 1/2 lb Shrimp fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1/2 lb Lump Crab Meat or imitation crab
  • 1/2 lb Scallops cut if large
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter to prevent sticking
  • Pinch Salt & Pepper for seasoning the seafood
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs optional for a crispy finish
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter to combine with breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese optional for extra crunch

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • saucepan
  • colander
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Seafood: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat, add shrimp and scallops, and cook for 2-3 minutes until opaque. Fold in lump crab meat, season, and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, then gradually add warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking until thickened.
  4. Incorporate Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cheeses until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Seafood: Add the macaroni and sautéed seafood to the cheese sauce, gently fold until evenly coated.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best results, and feel free to customize seafood types to your liking.

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