Here’s a delicious and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe that’s perfect for a comforting meal with a touch of elegance!
Ingredients
For the cheese sauce:
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3 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta you like)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk (warmed)
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1 cup heavy cream (warmed)
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional, adds great flavor)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the seafood:
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1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
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1/2 lb cooked crab meat (lump or claw meat)
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1/2 cup cooked scallops or lobster meat (optional)
For topping:
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside. -
Make the cheese sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a roux (paste) and turns slightly golden.
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream, making sure no lumps form. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts smoothly. -
Add seafood and pasta:
Gently fold in the cooked seafood and drained pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure everything is well coated. -
Prepare the topping:
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. -
Assemble and bake:
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if you like and serve hot!