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–+ servings
Seafood Mac and Cheese

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese for a Cozy Dinner Night

This Seafood Mac and Cheese transforms a classic into a rich and creamy delight, perfect for dinner gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American, Coastal
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni (or Cavatappi)
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream optional for lighter version
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning or Paprika + Cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (or Swiss) or Fontina or Monterey Jack
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
For the Seafood
  • 1 pound Seafood (Shrimp, Lump Crab Meat, Scallops) fresh or thawed frozen
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs season with herbs for extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or Butter) for cooking the seafood

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • large saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and boil. Add elbow macaroni or cavatappi and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Seafood: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Sauté shrimp and scallops for 2-3 minutes until opaque. Fold in lump crab meat and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add Flavor and Cheese: Stir in Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Fold in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour drained pasta into the cheese sauce with sautéed seafood. Stir gently until coated and transfer to a greased baking dish.
  6. Optional Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  7. Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving warm, perhaps with a fresh green salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This seafood mac and cheese is customizable. Opt for your favorite seafood and adjust seasoning to taste.

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