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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Seafood Mac and Cheese

A creamy, decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese that combines the cozy familiarity of macaroni and cheese with luxurious shrimp and crab meat. This elevated comfort food turns ordinary weeknights into special occasions with its rich, cheesy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6-8 servings servings
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (16 oz) Elbow Macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 cups Whole Milk, warmed slightly
  • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese, shredded
  • 1 pound Cooked Shrimp, medium, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces Lump Crab Meat
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make roux
  • Gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened and simmering (5-7 minutes)
  • Reduce heat to low, stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper
  • Turn off heat and gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth
  • Pour cheese sauce over drained pasta, add shrimp and crab meat, gently fold to combine
  • Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter and mix with Panko breadcrumbs
  • Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumb topping
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving, garnish with fresh parsley

Notes

Shred your own cheese for smoother sauce
Warm milk before adding to prevent lumps
Be gentle when folding in seafood to keep crab lumps intact
Do not overbake - residual heat finishes cooking
Let rest before serving for perfect consistency
Can use frozen seafood (thaw completely first)
Can substitute other short pasta like cavatappi or shells
Can make ahead and refrigerate before baking

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g
Keyword comfort food, creamy, mac and cheese, pasta, seafood
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