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Seafood Mac and Cheese

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Seafood Mac and Cheese combines two beloved comfort foods into one indulgent dish. This creamy, cheesy pasta is loaded with tender seafood, making it a perfect meal for seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. With a blend of sharp cheeses, velvety sauce, and succulent shrimp, crab, or lobster, this dish offers a rich, flavorful experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a decadent meal, Seafood Mac and Cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Seafood Mac and Cheese:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (or a mix of crab and lobster)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, usually around 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Seafood:

  1. Cook the Seafood: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp (or other seafood) and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Make a Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste and turns slightly golden.
  3. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Combine and Bake (Optional):

  1. Combine Pasta and Seafood: Add the cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
  2. Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your creamy, seafood-packed mac and cheese!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/seafood-mac-and-cheese/