Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Seafood Mac and Cheese, a decadent twist on a classic comfort dish. This recipe combines tender pasta with a velvety cheese sauce, infused with the luxurious flavors of fresh seafood. The blend of shrimp, crab, and scallops brings a taste of the ocean, perfectly complementing the creaminess of the cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this Seafood Mac and Cheese is sure to impress with its exquisite taste and texture.

More Seafood Mac and Cheese

The layers of flavor in this dish are built through the careful selection of cheeses, including sharp cheddar and Gruyère, which melt beautifully to create a smooth sauce that coats every piece of pasta. A touch of garlic, onion, and herbs adds depth, while the seafood is cooked just right to retain its tenderness. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, this mac and cheese is a true comfort food elevated to gourmet status.

Quick & Easy Seafood Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner

Easy Seafood Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Family Favorite

Recipe by Eric

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Ingredients:

• For the Seafood:

• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup lump crab meat

• 1 cup scallops, cleaned and halved

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or other pasta)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instruction:

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Seafood:
• In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the shrimp, crab meat, and scallops to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the seafood is just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Make the Cheese Sauce:
• In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Add the mustard powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine and Bake:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta and seafood are evenly coated with the sauce.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Prepare the Topping:
• In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
• Bake:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ideas for Serving

Seafood Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish, or with steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would complement the creamy texture and seafood flavors beautifully.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

History

Macaroni and cheese, a beloved comfort food, has roots in Italian cuisine but became widely popular in the United States thanks to Thomas Jefferson, who encountered the dish during his travels in Europe. The addition of seafood to mac and cheese is a more recent innovation, likely originating in coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. This variation has become a gourmet twist on the traditional dish, combining the comfort of cheesy pasta with the sophistication of seafood.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of seafood?

Yes, you can substitute or add other types of seafood such as lobster, clams, or mussels based on your preference.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

3. What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or even Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

4. Can I freeze Seafood Mac and Cheese?

Yes, this dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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