Seafood Mac and Cheese combines the indulgent comfort of creamy, cheesy pasta with the savory flavors of tender shrimp and succulent crab meat. This baked dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving something decadent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The cheesy sauce coats every noodle for a luxurious texture.
- Seafood Twist: Shrimp and crab meat elevate this mac and cheese into a gourmet experience.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It’s an impressive dish that’s easy to prepare.
- Customizable: Use your favorite seafood or mix in additional ingredients to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake just before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups dry macaroni
- 6 oz. claw crab meat
- 8 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 8 oz. sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and devein the shrimp if not already prepared.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Combine Macaroni Base
- Stir sour cream into the macaroni until evenly coated.
- Add the crab meat and mix well.
Step 3: Sauté Shrimp and Onions
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the shrimp until lightly cooked, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp, chop into bite-sized pieces, and add to the macaroni mixture.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped spring onions until tender.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and stir until combined. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Slowly add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and seafood mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Bake
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese, panko bread crumbs, and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Seafood Options: Add scallops, lobster, or canned tuna for variety.
- Cheese Choices: Use Gruyere, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat works well as a substitute for fresh crab meat.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mac and cheese without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
3. What type of shrimp is best?
Medium-sized shrimp work well, but you can use any size. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
4. How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Drizzle the panko topping with melted butter before baking, or broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
5. Can I substitute sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used instead of sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
6. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly grated cheese and avoid overheating the sauce to keep it smooth.
7. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, shells, penne, or fusilli are great alternatives to macaroni.
8. Can I omit the crab meat?
Yes, you can focus on shrimp or replace the crab with another protein or vegetable.
9. What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
10. Can I add more seafood?
Absolutely! Lobster, scallops, or additional shrimp make fantastic additions.
Conclusion
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a comforting, luxurious twist on a classic dish. The creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and flavorful seafood make it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and full of indulgent flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Treat yourself to a warm, cheesy bowl of this deliciousness today!
Print
Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Seafood Mac and Cheese! Loaded with tender shrimp, flavorful crab meat, and gooey cheese, this creamy baked dish is perfect for seafood lovers and a delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 2 cups dry macaroni
- Seafood:
- 6 oz claw crab meat
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Sauce Base:
- 8 oz sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 can evaporated milk
- Cheese:
- 8 oz block sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz block mozzarella cheese, grated
- Topping:
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Paprika (optional, for color)
- Extras:
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Seafood:
- Peel and devein the shrimp, if necessary.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until just pink (2–3 minutes).
- Remove shrimp from the skillet, let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Add to the macaroni along with the crab meat.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the chopped spring onion until tender.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add grated sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, shrimp, and crab mixture. Add sour cream and mix well to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Add paprika for color, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute claw crab meat with lump crab meat for a heartier bite.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of Gruyère and cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420 kcal
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