Description

This creamy Seafood Mac & Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat, all enveloped in a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with a touch of Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder, this baked casserole is topped with optional breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch, making it the perfect comforting dish for seafood and cheese lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Seafood

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)

Topping & Garnish

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Seafood: Gently fold in the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, and lump crab meat until the mixture is evenly combined without breaking the seafood.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the seafood mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, evenly sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with lower-fat dairy options, but this may affect the creaminess.
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, though elbow macaroni is classic for mac & cheese.
If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
If using canned crab meat, ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.