Description
This creamy and indulgent Seafood Mac and Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni with succulent shrimp and crab meat enveloped in a rich three-cheese sauce. The dish is flavored with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika for a subtle kick, making it a comforting yet sophisticated meal perfect for seafood lovers wanting a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crab meat (or lobster, if preferred)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
- Cook the Seafood: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the skillet. In the same skillet, cook the crab meat (or lobster) for an additional 2-3 minutes. Set both seafoods aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses and Season: Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and seafood into the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired and serve the Seafood Mac and Cheese hot for a comforting, flavorful dish.
Notes
- For a lobster variation, substitute crab meat with cooked lobster meat.
- To make the dish lighter, use reduced-fat milk and cheese, although the sauce may be less creamy.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness but can be omitted.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp and crab to keep the seafood tender.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
