If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food with a luxurious twist, you are going to adore this Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine tender elbow macaroni swimming in a rich, creamy cheese sauce loaded with succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat, all enhanced by subtle spices and a touch of mustard. This dish effortlessly combines the familiar warmth of mac and cheese with the freshness and elegance of seafood, making it a perfect meal for both family dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, this seafood-packed mac and cheese might just become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the pasta provides the classic comfort base, the seafood adds a fresh and luxurious texture, and the trio of cheeses brings depth and creaminess that you’ll crave.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: Traditional shape perfect for holding onto the luscious cheese sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds tender seafood flavor and a nice pop of texture.
- 1/2 lb crab meat (or lobster, if preferred): Sweetness and delicate flavor to elevate the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for the roux and sautéing seafood, lending richness.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy, velvety base for the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgence and silky texture.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, the backbone of classic mac and cheese flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey stretch and mellow creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty depth that enhances the overall cheesiness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce a subtle tang to balance richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Mild smoky note that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and bring all flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in generously salted water according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente. Draining the pasta well will ensure it doesn’t become soggy once it’s mixed into the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the skillet to avoid overcooking. Then, in that same skillet, cook the crab meat or lobster for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and absorb any buttery goodness. Setting both aside keeps the seafood tender and ready for the final mix.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux, cooking it until it turns golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce thicken, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes, until it coats the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until all the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Then fold in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and season generously with salt and pepper. At this point, tasting and adjusting seasoning ensures each bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Seafood
Gently add the cooked elbow macaroni, shrimp, and crab meat into the cheese sauce. Stir carefully to coat the pasta and seafood fully, making sure everything is heated through and perfectly blended in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal contrast. This final touch adds a lovely visual appeal and a hint of freshness to the rich dish.
How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that introduces color and a subtle herbal brightness to this seafood mac and cheese. You can also try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want a little kick and smoky contrast to the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Since this Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe feels like a hearty main course, light sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some steamed asparagus or green beans that add an earthy crunch. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully if you want to keep it extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe stand out by serving it in individual ramekins and topping with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a golden crust under the broiler. For a family-style meal, bake it in a large casserole dish until bubbly and browned on top. Adding a drizzle of truffle oil before serving can take this comfort dish into gourmet territory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. When storing, keeping the seafood covered and chilled is key to maintaining freshness.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the seafood might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze your mac and cheese before adding the cooked seafood, then stir the seafood in after reheating. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to help restore the creamy sauce’s texture. Stir frequently to avoid overheating and to keep the seafood tender. If you baked the mac and cheese with a crust, reheating in the oven can help maintain that crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! While this Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe features shrimp and crab, feel free to swap in lobster, scallops, or even a seafood mix. Just adjust cooking times to keep your seafood tender and perfectly cooked.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a balance of tangy, stretchy, and nutty flavors that make the sauce rich and smooth. You can experiment with Gruyere or fontina for a twist, but these classic cheeses really bring out the best in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the dish has a mild smoky warmth from paprika and a touch of garlic, but it isn’t spicy. You can add cayenne or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux. Just follow your flour’s thickening instructions to achieve the same creamy sauce texture.
How do I ensure the seafood stays tender?
Cook the shrimp and crab only until just opaque and warmed through, removing them promptly from heat. Overcooking can make seafood tough, so add them to the cheese sauce at the end to finish warming gently.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe is pure joy on a plate, combining comforting pasta and cheese with the fresh sweetness of seafood in a way that’s sure to delight everyone at your table. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or an elegant gathering, this recipe offers comfort and a gourmet touch all in one dish. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, seafood-filled bite!
Print
Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese combining tender shrimp and crab meat with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a smooth, flavorful cheese sauce seasoned with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a delightful, decadent twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crab meat (or lobster, if preferred)
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Seafood: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet. In the same skillet, cook the crab meat (or lobster) for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking until it turns a light golden color, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood: Add the cooked macaroni and seafood into the cheese sauce. Gently stir until everything is well mixed, evenly coated, and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Seafood Mac and Cheese hot for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute crab meat with lobster or scallops as preferred.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest sauce; lower-fat options may affect texture.
- Cooking seafood just until opaque is key for tender texture; avoid overcooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
