Seafood Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the rich flavors of seafood. This dish brings together shrimp, crab meat, and scallops, creating a delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Seafood Mac and Cheese is a great idea for several reasons. First, it’s an easy way to impress your guests or family with a gourmet meal. Second, the combination of seafood and cheese provides a unique flavor that takes traditional mac and cheese to the next level. Lastly, it’s a flexible recipe, allowing you to customize based on your favorite seafood or even add some vegetables!
How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 6 oz lump crab meat
- 4 oz scallops, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, scallops, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and the scallops are cooked through. Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another minute. Remove from the heat.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue cooking for 4-6 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese
Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese hot from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs well with a crisp salad or some garlic bread on the side. This dish is sure to be a hit!
How to Store Seafood Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Seafood Mac and Cheese can be kept for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Rinse the seafood before cooking to get rid of any unwanted grit.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some spices like Old Bay Seasoning or a bit of lemon juice.
- You can use any kind of pasta you prefer, but small shapes work best for this dish.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping out seafood for cooked chicken or vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli. You can also experiment with different types of cheese depending on your taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood in this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has mild spices. If you like it spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, scallops, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and the scallops are cooked through. Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another minute. Remove from the heat.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue cooking for 4-6 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
