Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese brings together rich, cheesy pasta with succulent shrimp and crabmeat, creating an indulgent and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of cheeses with a hint of Cajun and Old Bay seasoning adds a delightful kick, while the creaminess of the sauce complements the tender seafood.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces lump crabmeat
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (optional but highly recommended for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray, as needed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which is typically 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Seafood:
- While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- 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 are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they will continue cooking in the oven. Set the shrimp aside.
- Gently fold the crabmeat into the shrimp, being careful not to break the lumps.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste without letting it brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Let the mixture cook for about 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in the cream cheese (if using) and allow it to melt completely into the sauce.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and begin adding the shredded cheeses. Stir in the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan in small batches, stirring continuously until each batch is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with onion powder, Cajun seasoning (if using), Old Bay seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
4. Combine the Pasta, Seafood, and Cheese Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the seafood mixture (shrimp and crabmeat). Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Transfer the seafood mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- For an extra cheesy and crispy top, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese:
- Seafood Options:
- This recipe uses shrimp and crabmeat, but you can easily swap in your favorite seafood such as scallops, lobster, or even clams.
- When using frozen seafood, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
- Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess:
- The addition of cream cheese adds a luxurious texture to the sauce, making it even creamier. You can omit it if you prefer a lighter sauce, but it’s highly recommended for a rich, indulgent mac and cheese.
- Seasonings:
- The Old Bay and Cajun seasoning add a hint of spice and a depth of flavor that complements the seafood perfectly. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can skip the Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking; feel free to add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or paprikafor a smoky flavor.
- Make Ahead:
- You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Baking:
- Baking the mac and cheese allows the flavors to meld together and creates a slightly crisp, golden top while keeping the inside creamy and rich.
- If you want a crispier top, consider adding a breadcrumb topping mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Leftovers:
- Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese:
- Delicious Seafood Twist:
- The addition of shrimp and crabmeat gives this mac and cheese a seafood-forward flavor that is both comforting and elegant.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce:
- The combination of multiple cheeses, including cream cheese, makes this dish extra creamy, while the seasoning adds complexity and balance.
- Comfort Food Classic:
- This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flavors, making it a great option for a special dinner or a weeknight treat.
- Customizable:
- You can easily customize this dish by using different types of seafood, changing the cheeses, or adding extra spices and herbs to suit your taste.
This Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish that combines rich cheeses with succulent seafood. It’s perfect for seafood lovers and mac and cheese fans alike, offering a gourmet twist on a classic recipe. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress
