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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Seafood Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort with a Twist

Indulge in this Seafood Mac and Cheese that blends shrimp and crab in a creamy cheese sauce, a perfect twist on a classic favorite.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni or Cavatappi Can use shells or rotini
For the Cheesy Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Warm it up before using
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning or Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
For the Seafood
  • 1 pound Seafood (Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, or Scallops) Fresh or well-thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Optional; mix with melted butter and Parmesan

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Seafood: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking for 2-3 minutes until opaque. Fold in crab meat and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and cream, continuously whisking for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in mustard, Old Bay, and garlic powder.
  4. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove from heat and add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Mixture: Fold the cooked pasta and sautéed seafood into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), pour mixture into a greased baking dish, and top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter and Parmesan.
  7. Bake and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh cheese and dry seafood thoroughly before cooking. Optional truffle oil can elevate the flavor.

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