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Seafood Mac and Cheese

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This rich and creamy seafood mac and cheese brings together tender shrimp, lump crab, and a velvety blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Baked to golden perfection with a buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food with an elevated, coastal twist. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ lb lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
  • Optional: ½ cup bay scallops
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.

  5. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or Old Bay. Stir to combine.

  6. Reduce heat to low and mix in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère. Stir until melted and smooth.

  7. Gently fold in the shrimp and crab (and scallops, if using). If seafood is raw, it will finish cooking in the oven.

  8. Add the cooked pasta and gently stir everything together until evenly coated.

  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix panko with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle on top.

  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked shrimp or crab if preferred, but reduce baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
  • Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to maintain creaminess.
  • For extra crunch, broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end.
  • Shred cheese yourself for a smoother sauce—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Seafood mac and cheese, crab mac and cheese, shrimp mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, seafood pasta bake, creamy seafood casserole, comfort food recipes

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

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