Name: Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk (warm); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika); Salt and pepper to taste; ½ pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped); ½ pound lump crab meat or imitation crab; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional); ½ cup breadcrumbs + 1 tablespoon melted butter

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If you love creamy, luxurious comfort food with an elevated twist, Seafood Mac & Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Tender pasta meets a dreamy blend of cheeses, all wrapped around succulent shrimp and sweet crab for the ultimate indulgence—whether you’re hosting friends, treating yourself, or looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Brimming with rich flavors, golden crust, and hints of classic seasoning, this dish is pure joy in a casserole dish and just waiting for your fork.

Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about seeing a handful of simple, quality ingredients come together to create a show-stopping dish. Each item on this list brings its own pop—be it a silky texture, a savory kick, or that all-important ocean breeze from the seafood. Here’s what you need to work this kitchen magic:

Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice (8 oz): These hold onto every drop of creamy, cheesy goodness—shells and cavatappi are great too.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the essential base for your rich, silky sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Blends with butter to make a roux, which thickens up your cheese sauce like a dream.
Whole milk, warmed (2 cups): The secret to the sauce’s velvety texture—warming helps prevent lumps.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Gives color and classic cheesy sharpness.
Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds a mild creaminess or nutty depth, depending which you pick.
Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): A salty, robust punch that layers on umami flavor.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with gentle savory warmth.
Old Bay seasoning or paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings subtle heat and a coastal, aromatic vibe.
Salt and pepper to taste: The key to rounding out all those bold flavors.
Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped (½ pound): Sweet and plump, turning every bite into a treat.
Lump crab meat or imitation crab (½ pound): Adds an unmistakable seafood sweetness—just be sure it’s fully cooked and drained.
Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh green finish that makes the whole dish pop.
Breadcrumbs + melted butter (½ cup + 1 tablespoon, optional topping): For those who crave a golden, crispy crown on their mac and cheese.

How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a two-quart baking dish a good greasing—this helps keep clean-up a breeze and makes sure nothing sticks when serving those luscious scoops of Seafood Mac & Cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your elbow macaroni (or chosen pasta shape) just until al dente. Remember, the pasta will cook a bit more in the oven, so drain it the moment it’s tender with a slight bite. Set it aside while you turn your attention to the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about one minute, forming a pale, bubbly roux that will thicken your sauce to perfection. Gradually add in the warm milk, whisking constantly to banish lumps and create a smooth, slightly thickened base—this should take about four to five minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère (or Monterey Jack), and Parmesan until they’re melted and your sauce is silky, creamy, and comforting. Hit the pot with garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning (or paprika), and plenty of salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and make sure it sings; don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 5: Assemble the Seafood Mac & Cheese

Gently fold the cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab into your glorious cheese sauce. Be careful not to break up the seafood too much—you want generous bites of both shrimp and crab in every forkful. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Top and Bake

If you’re dreaming of a crispy, golden topping, now’s the time to mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle it over the top of the mac and cheese. Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for twenty to twenty-five minutes, until bubbling and beautifully golden. A scattering of fresh parsley right before serving makes it look as irresistible as it tastes.

How to Serve Seafood Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Seafood Mac & Cheese quite like a handful of fresh-chopped parsley or even a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a special touch, try lemon zest or just a squeeze of lemon over the top to brighten things up and cut through the richness—especially if your seafood is super sweet!

Side Dishes

Pair your creamy mac with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus, garlicky sautéed spinach, or classic steamed broccolini all work beautifully. Don’t forget a basket of buttery garlic bread for sopping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, spoon individual portions of Seafood Mac & Cheese into ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a fun, bistro-style look. Or garnish each plate with a whole roasted shrimp or a crab claw perched on top—crowd-pleasing and restaurant-caliber, guaranteed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Seafood Mac & Cheese keeps well covered in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing in an airtight container to retain that creamy texture without any off flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions or the whole baked dish for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating—seafood and cheese both do best with gentle thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your Seafood Mac & Cheese with foil and place it in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through—about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry, to bring back that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! Lobster meat, scallops, or chunks of cooked firm white fish (like cod or haddock) are delicious swaps or additions to the shrimp and crab. Always make sure your seafood is pre-cooked and well-drained before adding.

What’s the best cheese combination for Seafood Mac & Cheese?

The trio of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère (or Monterey Jack), and salty Parmesan gives a perfect creamy balance, but you can experiment. Smoked gouda or fontina add complexity—just be sure your cheese melts well for the silkiest sauce.

How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?

Heat is key! Always lower the heat before adding cheese to your béchamel base and stir until just melted. Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded, which can have anti-caking agents) for best results.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yep! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Opt for GF breadcrumbs or omit the topping entirely for a naturally gluten-free meal.

Is Seafood Mac & Cheese good for meal prep?

Definitely! You can assemble the mac and cheese (with seafood and all) a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, add the breadcrumb topping and bake until golden and bubbling.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Seafood Mac & Cheese at home, you’re in for a revelation. Rich, creamy, and loaded with sweet seafood and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food through and through—just with a splash of ocean adventure. Give this baked beauty a spot on your table soon and watch it become a family favorite!

Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Seafood Mac & Cheese recipe. Combining tender shrimp, flavorful crab meat, and a blend of cheeses, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a comforting main course that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)
Salt and pepper to taste

Seafood Mix:

½ pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped)
½ pound lump crab meat or imitation crab
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Optional Topping:

½ cup breadcrumbs + 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Cook pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened. Add cheeses, seasonings, and stir until smooth.
Combine ingredients: Fold in cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab meat. Transfer to baking dish.
Add topping: Optionally, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve.