Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Seafood Mac and Cheese — creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with succulent shrimp, crab, and lobster. Every bite is rich and flavorful, with a buttery seafood essence that takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something luxurious and comforting.
Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Seafood
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- ½ lb lobster meat (optional but luxurious!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra topping)
Ingredient Notes
- Seafood: You can use any mix of shrimp, crab, lobster, or scallops — fresh or frozen.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor; mozzarella adds creaminess.
- Old Bay seasoning: Enhances seafood flavor and gives that coastal kick.
- Breadcrumb topping: Adds a crispy golden layer to balance the creamy pasta.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain, toss with 1 tbsp butter, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and season with Old Bay; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Add crab and lobster, stir gently for another minute, then set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce.
- Mix until evenly coated, then pour into a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Topping & Bake
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- (Optional) Add a little extra cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips
- Don’t overcook seafood — it should be tender, not rubbery.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese to the sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun Seafood Mac: Add Cajun seasoning and a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Lobster-Only Mac: Go luxurious with only lobster chunks and white cheddar.
- Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top before baking.
