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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese for a Cozy Night In

Indulge in creamy seafood mac and cheese, a comforting twist on a classic dish featuring shrimp, crab, and scallops.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Feel free to swap in cavatappi.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour is an option.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Low-fat or non-dairy milk is acceptable.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half is a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning Cajun seasoning can be a substitute.
  • Garlic Powder Season to taste.
  • Salt Adjust according to preference.
  • Black Pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack works well for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Swiss cheese can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a substitute.
For the Seafood
  • 1 pound Shrimp Peeled and deveined.
  • 1/2 pound Lump Crab Meat Imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative.
  • 1/2 pound Scallops Feel free to omit if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Butter For cooking the seafood.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter Combine with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Seafood: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, add shrimp and scallops for 2-3 minutes until opaque. Season and fold in crab gently. Set aside.
  3. Make the Roux: Melt butter in the same skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in warmed milk and cream, cook until thickened (4-5 minutes), and stir in mustard, seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the Cheeses: Remove from heat, mix in shredded cheddar and Gruyère until melted into a creamy sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta and Seafood: Fold in cooked macaroni and sautéed seafood gently, ensuring all pasta is coated.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F, grease baking dish, and pour in mac and cheese mixture evenly.
  8. Add the Topping: Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over mac and cheese for a crispy crust.
  9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden-brown and bubbly.
  10. Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best results, ensure seafood is dry before cooking, and feel free to customize ingredients to your preference.

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