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Seafood Mac and Cheese

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese for Cozy Nights In

Indulge in rich and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni can substitute with cavatappi or shells
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter essential for the roux
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour to thicken the sauce
  • 4 cups Whole Milk warmed for a silky base
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream for enhanced richness
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard for added flavor
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning or Paprika to enhance seafood flavors
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder
  • ½ tsp Salt to boost overall flavor
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper for a hint of heat
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
For the Seafood
  • ½ lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ½ lb Lump Crab Meat or imitation crab
  • ½ lb Scallops optional
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter for sautéing
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs optional
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter combined with breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan to enhance the flavor

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the shrimp and scallops, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque. Remove from heat, fold in lump crab meat, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add the warmed milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Mix in the Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper off the heat.
  4. Return the saucepan to heat if necessary, and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth.
  5. Carefully add the cooked pasta and the sautéed seafood mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
  7. Let the Seafood Mac and Cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to explore various combinations with your Seafood Mac and Cheese ingredients to suit your palate!

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