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Cooking can be a joyful adventure, especially when you combine comforting favorites like mac and cheese with the fresh flavors of seafood. This Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe takes a classic dish to new heights by adding shrimp, scallops, and crab, all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a meal that feels special but is easy enough to whip together any night of the week.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Seafood Mac and Cheese because it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The rich, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with tender seafood, making this dish a delight for your taste buds. It’s great for special occasions, but it’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner with family. Plus, it’s sure to impress anyone you share it with!
How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 1 Tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + pinch cayenne)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded (or Swiss))
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
For the seafood:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225 g) lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1/2 lb (225 g) scallops (small, or cut in half if large)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Optional topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the seafood: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until just opaque. Stir in crab gently. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth. Stir in Dijon, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is coated.
- Bake (optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix panko with melted butter and Parmesan, sprinkle over the top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese
Serve your Seafood Mac and Cheese hot from the oven for the best experience. This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Sprinkle some extra parsley or chives on top for added freshness and color!
How to Store Seafood Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you bake it again, consider adding a little extra cheese or a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Tips to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be just al dente since it will bake later.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained well.
- Adjust the cheese according to your preference; feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Fontina for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.
What types of seafood work best?
Shrimp, scallops, and crab are fantastic, but you can also try lobster, clams, or even fish in this recipe, depending on what you enjoy.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, up to the baking step. Just cover it and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
Seafood Mac and Cheese
A comforting blend of macaroni, shrimp, scallops, and crab enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until just opaque. Stir in crab gently. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Making the cheese sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth. Stir in Dijon, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Combining and baking
- Add cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is coated.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix panko with melted butter and Parmesan, sprinkle over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Serve hot from the oven for the best experience. Consider pairing with a side salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
