Description
This Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce loaded with succulent shrimp, crab, and scallops. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb topping, this dish offers a decadent American-style main course that’s perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seafood and Add-ins
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1/2 cup cooked scallops or firm white fish, flaked (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood: Fold the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, and scallops or white fish (if using) into the cheese sauce. Add chopped green onions if desired. Mix everything until the pasta and seafood are evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the seafood mac and cheese mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken a bit and for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked seafood for convenience, or cook your seafood ahead of time to save time during preparation.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a classic, savory seafood flavor but can be omitted or substituted if you prefer a milder taste.
- Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on availability or preference, such as substituting scallops with firm white fish.
- To avoid the topping getting soggy, ensure the breadcrumb mixture is evenly spread and the dish is baked uncovered.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain crispiness on top.
