🦐 Seafood Macaroni and Cheese
Seafood macaroni and cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with succulent shrimp, crab, or scallops for a decadent comfort dish.
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped crab meat, or scallops
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
3️⃣ Combine Pasta and Seafood
- Gently fold cooked pasta and seafood into the cheese sauce.
- Stir until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Optional: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan; sprinkle over the top.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
🔹 Tips & Variations
- Seafood mix: Combine shrimp, crab, scallops, or lobster for a luxurious version.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Creamier sauce: Use half-and-half instead of milk for richer flavor.
- Quick stovetop version: Skip baking; serve immediately after mixing pasta and seafood.
Seafood macaroni and cheese is rich, comforting, and indulgent — perfect for special dinners or a decadent weeknight treat.
I can also create a “lighter, healthier seafood mac and cheese” version that’s lower in calories but still creamy and delicious.
