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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese for Comforting Nights

This Seafood Mac and Cheese combines rich seafood flavors with creamy indulgence, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni Feel free to substitute with cavatappi or shells.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Essential for creating a rich roux.
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour Used to thicken the sauce.
  • 4 cups Whole Milk Warmed for better integration.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Adds richness.
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning Can substitute Paprika + Pinch Cayenne.
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder For aromatic flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Adds mild heat.
For the Cheeses
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded, avoid pre-shredded.
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Shredded, Swiss can be used as a substitute.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated.
For the Seafood
  • 0.5 lb Shrimp Peeled and deveined.
  • 0.5 lb Lump Crab Meat Imitation crab can be used.
  • 0.5 lb Scallops Cut in half if large.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter For cooking seafood.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Optional crispy topping.
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter Binds topping ingredients.
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Optional for topping.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Seafood Mac and Cheese
  1. Cook the Pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Seafood in a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat. Cook shrimp and scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Fold in crab meat, season, and set aside.
  3. Make the Roux by melting butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
  4. Build the Sauce by gradually whisking in milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Add seasonings once smooth.
  5. Add Cheese by removing from heat and folding in all cheeses until melted and creamy.
  6. Combine Ingredients by pouring the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and mixing with sautéed seafood.
  7. Prepare Topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and optional Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake the Dish in a greased baking dish at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  9. Serve and Enjoy after resting the dish for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh cheeses and avoid overcooking seafood for perfect results. Allow resting time for flavors to meld.

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