Savory Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe: A Comfort Food Upgrade

Creamy seafood mac and cheese can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.

Cheesy pasta mixed with succulent ocean treasures creates an irresistible combination that feels both comforting and luxurious.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of tender shellfish and rich, melted cheese.

Maritime flavors blend seamlessly with classic comfort food elements, creating something magical on your plate.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this decadent dish.

Coastal regions inspire this recipe, where seafood and pasta traditions intertwine beautifully.

You won’t believe how simple it is to craft such an impressive meal that looks like it came from a gourmet restaurant.

Why Seafood Mac And Cheese Is A Comfort Win

• Quick and Satisfying Seafood Delight: Dive into a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese packed with succulent crab and shrimp that transforms an everyday dish into a gourmet experience.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: Crowd-pleasing recipe that combines familiar comfort food with luxurious seafood, making it an ideal dish for special dinners and potlucks.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal with confidence and minimal kitchen stress.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe that works great as a main course or side dish, suitable for casual weeknight dinners or elegant weekend entertaining.

What’s In Seafood Mac And Cheese

• Macaroni: Pasta that serves as the hearty foundation of the dish.
• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood that adds rich ocean flavor.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that enhances the seafood profile.

• White Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that create a creamy and stretchy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps coat the pasta smoothly.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates a silky base for the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps build the sauce.

• Green Onion: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
• Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy golden topping for the casserole.

How To Whip Up Seafood Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni according to package instructions.

Once done, drain thoroughly and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Creamy Coating

Blend sour cream into the pasta, ensuring every noodle gets a luxurious, silky embrace.

Step 4: Welcome the Seafood

Gently fold in the crab meat, distributing it evenly throughout the pasta.

Step 5: Prepare the Flavor Boosters

Finely chop the green onions and grate both white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Set these flavor-packed ingredients aside.

Step 6: Sauté the Shrimp

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add shrimp and cook until just done. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then give them a rough chop.

Mix into the pasta mixture.

Step 7: Create the Velvety Sauce

In the same pan, sprinkle flour into the remaining butter.

Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk, creating a smooth base.

Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 8: Cheese Magic

Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheeses until they melt into a silky, creamy sauce.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 9: Combine and Elevate

Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture.

Sprinkle in the chopped green onions and mix until everything is wonderfully combined.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and crown it with a sprinkle of panko bread crumbs for a crispy, golden topping.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a bubbling, golden-brown surface that promises deliciousness.

Tips For Creamy Seafood Mac And Cheese

• Drain macaroni thoroughly to prevent watery mac and cheese, ensuring a creamy and rich texture.
• Select fresh seafood like crab and shrimp for maximum flavor and optimal taste in the dish.
• Grate cheese directly before adding to sauce for smoother melting and better consistency.
• Toast panko bread crumbs lightly before sprinkling to enhance crunchiness and add golden-brown color.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or fontina for unique flavor profiles and depth.

Seafood Mac And Cheese Twist Ideas

• Lobster Luxe Mac: Replace crab and shrimp with succulent chunks of tender lobster meat, creating an ultra-premium seafood experience with rich, delicate flavors.
• Mediterranean Seafood Mac: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and add diced Mediterranean-style white fish like sea bass for a Greek-inspired coastal variation.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Mac: Mix in andouille sausage, crawfish, and add cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning for a bold, New Orleans-style kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Nordic Seafood Mac: Use smoked salmon, dill, and swap some cheddar with creamy goat cheese for a Scandinavian-inspired version with elegant, subtle seafood notes.

Perfect Pairings For Seafood Mac And Cheese

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood's delicate flavors and cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce with its bright acidity.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread with roasted garlic provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the decadent cheese sauce.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy mac and cheese, adding a refreshing and zesty element to the meal.
• Enhance with Chilled Citrus Slaw: Create a tangy coleslaw with mandarin oranges and fresh herbs to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich seafood pasta.

Seafood Mac And Cheese Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Freezing: Transfer mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk to prevent dryness. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a little milk, and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Seafood Mac And Cheese

• What seafood is used in this mac and cheese recipe?

This recipe includes crab meat and shrimp, creating a delicious seafood combination that adds rich flavor and protein to the classic mac and cheese dish.

• Can I substitute the seafood if I don't like crab or shrimp?

Absolutely! You can use other seafood like lobster, scallops, or even imitation crab meat depending on your preference and availability. Just ensure the seafood is cooked and chopped before mixing into the pasta.

• Is evaporated milk necessary for the recipe?

Evaporated milk helps create a creamy, smooth cheese sauce with a rich texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half, though the consistency might slightly differ.

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese elevates comfort food with succulent shrimp and tender crab nestled in a rich, velvety sauce. Cheesy pasta lovers will savor this luxurious coastal twist that brings ocean flavors to classic mac and cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 6 ounces (170 grams) claw crab meat
• 8 ounces (227 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Cheese

• 8 ounces (227 grams) block sharp white cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) block mozzarella cheese

Base and Additional Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) dry macaroni
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 spring onion
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) panko bread crumbs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a ready baking environment for the seafood mac and cheese.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Coat the noodles completely with sour cream, creating a creamy base for the dish.
4. Gently fold crab meat into the macaroni mixture, distributing it evenly throughout.
5. Prepare ingredients by finely chopping green onions and grating white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
6. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté shrimp until just cooked. Remove, let cool slightly, then chop and incorporate into the macaroni mixture.
7. Using the same pan, create a roux by adding flour to remaining butter and cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
8. Remove sauce from heat, then stir in grated cheeses until completely melted and integrated. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and seafood mixture, then add chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
10. Transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish and generously sprinkle panko bread crumbs across the top for a crispy texture.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and ready to serve.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the most robust flavor and tender texture in your mac and cheese.
• Drain pasta completely to prevent watery sauce and ensure the creamy consistency remains thick and rich.
• Slightly undercook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture, as they will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
• Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of this decadent seafood dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg