Seafood Mac and Cheese

Here’s a rich and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe — perfect for a comforting, indulgent meal with a coastal twist!

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🧀🦐 Seafood Mac and Cheese

Ingredients (Serves 6):

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a kick)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 8 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

• 6 oz lump crab meat (or imitation crab if on a budget)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking seafood)

• Optional topping: ½ cup breadcrumbs + 1 tbsp melted butter + pinch of paprika

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Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:

   • Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.

   • Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Seafood:

   • In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil or butter over medium heat.

   • Sauté shrimp until pink and opaque (2–3 minutes). Stir in crab meat to warm through. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

   • Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

   • Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes).

   • Lower heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until melted.

   • Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine:

   • Fold the cooked pasta and seafood into the cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Bake (Optional):

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.

   • Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika, and sprinkle over the top.

   • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

   • Enjoy with a green salad or garlic bread.

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✅ Tips:

• You can substitute lobster, scallops, or even salmon for the shrimp/crab.

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

• Avoid overcooking seafood — it continues to cook when baked!

Want a stovetop-only version or a fancier version with lobster tail?