Imagine a creamy, luxurious mac and cheese that transforms an everyday comfort food into a gourmet seafood sensation! This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary adventure that marries the rich, velvety goodness of classic mac and cheese with the succulent, ocean-fresh flavors of shrimp and crab. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an indulgent meal, this Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe will transport your taste buds to a world of creamy, seafood-infused bliss.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once butter is completely melted and bubbling, add all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy and well-combined.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked shrimp and crab meat to the sauce, gently stirring to distribute seafood evenly.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese and seafood mixture, folding gently to ensure pasta is thoroughly coated with sauce and seafood is distributed throughout.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. For a golden top, you can optionally sprinkle additional cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until top is lightly browned.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy your seafood mac and cheese.
Tips
- Always use freshly cooked seafood for the best flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked seafood, ensure it's at room temperature before adding to the sauce.
- Create a smooth roux by whisking continuously and cooking the flour and butter mixture for at least 2-3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Add milk gradually and whisk constantly to prevent lumps in your cheese sauce.
- Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. Consider mixing in a second cheese like Gruyère for added complexity.
- Be gentle when folding in seafood and pasta to keep the delicate shrimp and crab meat intact.
- For an extra crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or additional cheese before broiling.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 97kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 48mg
