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
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.
Notes
- Enhance the seafood flavor with scallops or seafood stock.
- Use freshly grated cheese for creaminess.
- For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
