If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, look no further than Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe. This dish brings together tender pasta, a trio of melty cheeses, juicy shrimp, and luscious crab for a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make. Every bite is creamy, savory, and just a little bit briny, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building the luscious texture and rich flavor that defines Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe. From the sharpness of cheddar to the sweet bite of fresh seafood, every component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate this classic comfort food.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic shape ensures just the right amount of sauce clings to every bite, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for creating a rich, flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This is the secret to a perfectly thick, velvety cheese sauce—don’t skip it!
- Whole milk (2 cups, warm): Warming the milk helps the sauce come together smoothly and quickly.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel that sets this dish apart.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Provides tang and richness; use freshly shredded for the best melt.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Delivers the signature stretchy, gooey texture we all crave in mac and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Brings a salty, nutty punch that rounds out the cheese blend.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with subtle warmth and depth.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): The classic seafood spice blend, adding a hint of coastal flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and brings out the best in your cheeses and seafood.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the sauce.
- Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Sweet and tender, they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Lump crab meat (1/2 cup, fresh or canned, drained): Delivers that unmistakable briny sweetness and a touch of luxury.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional topping): For a crispy, golden finish that contrasts the creamy interior.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal note right before serving.
How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which will give you that bubbling, golden top. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so the cheesy pasta won’t stick—trust me, you’ll want every last bite!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overdo it on the stove.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Keep whisking for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth, pale roux—this step is key for a lump-free, silky sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in your warm milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The result should be a luscious, velvety sauce that coats your spoon.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, and black pepper. Give it a taste—this is your chance to adjust seasoning to perfection!
Step 6: Add Seafood and Pasta
Gently fold the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, and lump crab into your cheesy sauce. Stir just enough to combine—this ensures every bite is packed with seafood and creamy goodness.
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. For a little crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top. This step is optional but highly recommended for that classic casserole finish.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a sauce that’s bubbling at the edges and a top that’s just starting to turn golden brown. The aroma will let you know it’s almost time to dig in!
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, scatter the chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon over your Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe.
How to Serve Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil. A light squeeze of lemon juice over each bowl just before serving can brighten up the rich flavors, making the seafood truly shine.
Side Dishes
This decadent dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or simple steamed broccoli. For a real treat, serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try baking Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Or, serve it inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, comfort-food vibe that’s sure to get rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a night in the fridge, making leftovers just as crave-worthy!
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze before baking, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbling, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a microwave works in a pinch, but adding a splash of milk first helps restore the creamy texture. Stir gently halfway through reheating to ensure everything is evenly hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are classic, scallops, lobster, or even firm white fish can work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and make sure all seafood is cooked through before serving.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, but shells, cavatappi, or even penne are all great choices. The key is choosing a pasta that holds sauce well, so every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
If you’d like to lighten things up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese a bit. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or peas for more nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for starting from cold.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
The secret is to keep the heat low and stir constantly when adding the cheese. Remove the pan from heat before stirring in the cheeses, as high heat can cause them to separate and become gritty.
Final Thoughts
You’re just one casserole dish away from the creamiest, most irresistible Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish promises comfort, elegance, and unforgettable flavor in every forkful. Dive in and enjoy!
Print
Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Seafood Mac & Cheese recipe offers a luxurious twist on the classic comfort dish, combining tender shrimp and lump crab meat with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and seasoned with Old Bay and garlic powder, it’s an indulgent seafood feast perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste and forming a smooth roux.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Cook while stirring frequently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Seafood and Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, and lump crab meat into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness and color, then serve hot for a creamy, indulgent seafood pasta dish.
Notes
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for 1–2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, though creaminess may be slightly reduced.
- Ensure shrimp and crab are fully cooked before adding to avoid undercooked seafood in the final dish.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
