If there’s a dish that brings together comfort and luxury, it’s Seafood Mac and Cheese. Just imagine perfectly cooked macaroni tangled up in a luscious, three-cheese sauce, studded with juicy shrimp and sweet, succulent crab meat. Every spoonful delivers an ocean breeze of flavor, all wrapped up in irresistibly creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or craving something special on a cozy night in, this Seafood Mac and Cheese is truly a showstopper.

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: each carefully chosen ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. You’ll want to stick close to this list for the ultimate creamy, savory experience, but don’t be afraid to make it your own with a few creative tweaks!

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic shape for holding onto every bit of cheese and seafood goodness.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and serves as the base for your creamy roux.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the decadent cheese sauce to just the right consistency.
Whole milk (2 cups): Brings creaminess and mellow flavor, making the sauce smooth and luscious.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): For extra richness and that undeniably velvety finish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors throughout the dish.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a subtle kick.
Old Bay seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with classic seafood spice and a touch of nostalgia.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends savory undertones to the cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): The main cheesy element—choose an extra sharp variety for bold flavor.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Delivers ultra-stretchy, gooey texture.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup): Adds salty, nutty depth and a savory finish.
Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound): Juicy bites of seafood that add both protein and luxury.
Lump crab meat, picked over (1/2 pound): Sweet and delicate, crab is the crown jewel here—take a minute to check for any shells.
Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A bright, fresh garnish that pops against the creamy pasta.
Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For a satisfyingly crisp, golden topping when baking.
Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Used to moisten the breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy finish.

How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente—about 1 minute shy of the package directions. This ensures the noodles hold their shape when tossed in the cheesy sauce later. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foamy. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This roux forms the foundation of your creamy cheese sauce, so let it bubble gently without browning for the smoothest result. Cooking off the raw flour taste here is key to ultra-silky Seafood Mac and Cheese.

Step 3: Whisk in the Milk and Cream

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go to keep things lump-free. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—stirring regularly until the sauce starts to thicken. At this stage, add the salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder to build savory depth with every swirl.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until each cheese completely melts into the sauce, creating a velvety, golden mixture that smells absolutely irresistible! This is the moment your kitchen turns into an aromatic wonderland.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Seafood

Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is coated in creamy goodness. Then, add the cooked shrimp and sweet lump crab, taking care not to break them apart. Stir just enough to distribute the seafood evenly and warm through—overmixing can make the crab fall apart, so keep a gentle hand.

Step 6: Optional Crunchy Topping and Baking

If you’re craving a crispy golden crust, transfer your mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, blend panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are beautifully golden and the sides are bubbling. This extra step transforms Seafood Mac and Cheese into an irresistible casserole perfect for any special occasion.

How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Finish your Seafood Mac and Cheese with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and bright freshness. Sometimes a sprinkle of chives or even a dash more Old Bay adds eye-catching vibrancy and an extra pop of flavor just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light sides that offer contrast—think crisp green salads with a lemon vinaigrette, tart pickled vegetables, or even simply-steamed asparagus. The creamy, cheesy richness of Seafood Mac and Cheese really shines alongside something crisp and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, portion your Seafood Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins and bake them with the panko topping. Or, turn it into a decadent brunch bite by spooning it into pastry shells. Want to impress? Serve the mac and cheese in clean crab shells or large scallop shells for a whimsical, seafood-themed presentation guests will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—though that’s a big “if”—let them cool completely before transferring Seafood Mac and Cheese into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days for best flavor and texture. Keeping it tightly sealed prevents the pasta and seafood from drying out.

Freezing

You can prepare Seafood Mac and Cheese ahead: simply assemble all the way up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen with a little extra time added, or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. The creamy sauce may lose a tiny bit of silkiness, but the flavor is still spot-on.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can reheat smaller portions in the microwave, but add a splash of milk or cream and stir halfway to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the seafood from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I add other types of seafood?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in small scallops, chunks of lobster, or even some firm white fish for your own spin on Seafood Mac and Cheese. Just pre-cook and drain well before adding to the sauce.

What kind of cheese works best with seafood mac and cheese?

The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan strikes a perfect balance between bold flavor and creamy meltiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Gruyère or fontina for extra depth.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce. A splash of hot sauce at the table doesn’t hurt either, and adds extra zing to every bite of Seafood Mac and Cheese.

Can I make this without baking?

Of course! The stovetop version is just as delicious without the breadcrumb topping. Once you’ve combined the pasta, cheese, and seafood, simply serve it piping hot and melty straight from the pot.

Any tips for using fresh vs. frozen seafood?

Fresh seafood has a sweeter, firmer texture but high-quality frozen shrimp or crab work wonderfully too. Thaw seafood thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the dish—excess moisture can thin the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of cozy comfort food with a dash of elegance, I can’t recommend Seafood Mac and Cheese enough. Every creamy, luxurious forkful is a treat worth savoring, whether you serve it for a celebratory feast or just a seriously satisfying weeknight dinner. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite!

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese that combines tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and a trio of cheeses for a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for any special occasion or a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)

Optional Toppings:

2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Season with salt, pepper, Old Bay, and garlic powder. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine ingredients: Fold in macaroni, shrimp, and crab. Transfer to a baking dish if desired.
Add toppings and bake: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over the top. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.