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
Scale
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
