Seafood Mac and Cheese

Seafood Mac and Cheese transforms a humble weeknight staple into a luxurious feast. I created this recipe when I wanted to impress my guests at a holiday gathering without spending all night in the kitchen. The moment I pulled the bubbling, golden pan from the oven, the room went silent.

You get the nostalgic comfort of pasta and cheese, elevated by succulent shrimp and tender crab meat in every bite. It feels incredibly decadent, like something you would order at a high-end steakhouse, yet it comes together easily at home. This dish proves that comfort food can be elegant enough for your most special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Mac and Cheese

Listen, I know mac and cheese is already amazing, but adding seafood? Game changer. Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite:

• Restaurant-quality at home: That creamy cheese sauce with juicy seafood makes it feel like a fancy bistro dish (without the fancy price tag)
• Surprisingly simple: If you can make boxed mac and cheese, you can absolutely handle this, I promise!
• Total crowd-pleaser: Kids go crazy for the cheesy pasta, adults love the sophisticated seafood twist
• Customizable: Use whatever seafood you’ve got or love most, shrimp, crab, even lobster if you’re feeling fancy
• Perfect for any occasion: Fancy enough for date night, comforting enough for a rainy Tuesday

Ingredients for Seafood Mac and Cheese

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need for the creamiest, dreamiest seafood mac and cheese:

• 12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi work great too)
• 1 lb mixed seafood (I usually do half shrimp, half crab, but lobster makes it extra special!)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (trust me, the good stuff matters here)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this is our magic thickener)
• 3 cups whole milk (2% works in a pinch, but whole makes it extra creamy)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (this is the secret weapon, so nutty and delicious)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the salty kick that balances everything)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is amazing if you have it)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, I’m generous with both)
• Fresh parsley (for that pretty pop of green at the end)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Now let’s chat about why these ingredients work so well together. That Gruyere cheese? It melts like a dream and adds this incredible nutty depth that regular cheeses just can’t match. If you can’t find Gruyere, Swiss cheese makes a decent substitute, or try fontina for extra creaminess.

About the seafood, fresh is fantastic, but don’t stress if you only have frozen. Just thaw it properly first (overnight in the fridge works best). I’ve made this with all shrimp when crab was too pricey, and it was still amazing. Lobster tails chopped into chunks? Absolute heaven if you’re celebrating something special.

The Parmesan might seem optional, but it adds this salty umami punch that takes the sauce to another level. If you’re out of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of dried works too, just use half the amount.

Equipment Needed for Seafood Mac and Cheese

Don’t worry, you don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe! Just grab these kitchen basics:

• A large saucepan for that dreamy cheese sauce
• A trusty whisk (your best friend for smooth sauce)
• A baking dish (I use a 9×13 inch one)
• A skillet for cooking the seafood
• A wooden spoon for stirring everything together
• A colander for draining pasta

That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.

How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! I’ll walk you through each step so you end up with the most incredible seafood mac and cheese. Don’t let the multiple steps scare you; it’s actually super straightforward when you take it one piece at a time.

Cooking the Pasta & Seafood

First things first, get that pasta going! Cook your noodles in well-salted boiling water for about 1 minute less than the package says. We want them al dente because they’ll keep cooking in the oven later. Drain them and give them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. This prevents mushy pasta (nobody wants that!).

While the pasta cooks, let’s handle the seafood. Melt half your butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s foamy, toss in your shrimp or crab (or both!). Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked seafood gets rubbery, so err on the side of underdone here. They’ll finish cooking in the oven. Set your beautiful seafood aside while we make the magic happen with the cheese sauce.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

This is where the real magic happens! In your large saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute; this cooks out the raw flour taste. You’ve just made a roux, chef!

Now slowly pour in the milk while whisking like crazy. I mean it, don’t stop whisking! This prevents lumps from forming. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and start adding your cheeses a handful at a time, letting each batch melt completely before adding more.

Once all that cheesy goodness is smooth and velvety, stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust seasonings before everything comes together.

Baking the Seafood Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F while you assemble everything. In a large bowl, gently mix your cooked pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce until everything is beautifully coated. Pour this heavenly mixture into your greased baking dish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly around the edges. If you want extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving (I know, the wait is torture) so the sauce can set up perfectly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for that gorgeous finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Mac and Cheese

I have prepared this dish countless times, and I have gathered some foolproof tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every single time. Follow these tips to elevate your mac and cheese from good to gourmet.

• Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce looks too thick, do not panic. Simply stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Watch the Pasta: Always undercook your pasta by a minute or two. It will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring it stays perfectly al dente instead of turning mushy.
• Season Boldly: You must season your cheese sauce aggressively. I always add an extra pinch of salt because the plain pasta will naturally dull the flavors once combined.
• Pro Presentation: Here is my secret: reserve a small handful of the seafood to sprinkle on top right before baking. It creates a gorgeous presentation and lets guests see exactly what delicious ingredients are inside.
• Freshness Factor: Do not skip the fresh parsley. It is not just a pretty garnish; that pop of green cuts through the richness and balances the heavy cheese flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Seafood Mac and Cheese

Since this Seafood Mac and Cheese is incredibly decadent, I like to pair it with sides that offer a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. Here is how I turn this dish into a complete meal:

• Fresh Salad: My absolute favorite pairing is a simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus acid cut through the heavy cheese perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with more carbs. A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left in the bowl.
• Green Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side. The crisp texture balances the soft pasta beautifully.

This dish works perfectly as the star of a holiday dinner, but it is also a guaranteed hit at potlucks. Just be prepared to share the recipe, because the pan will be empty in minutes!

Storing & Reheating Seafood Mac and Cheese

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you are in for a treat. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

When you are ready for round two, follow these steps to bring the creamy texture back to life:

• Midnight Snack: I won’t judge if you eat it cold straight from the fridge. It is surprisingly delicious that way too!
• Oven Method (Best Results): Skip the microwave if you can. Place individual portions in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
• Restore Creaminess: The pasta will absorb moisture as it sits. If the mac looks a bit dry, stir in a splash of milk or cream before reheating to loosen the sauce.
• Recrisp the Top: If you miss that crunchy crust, place the dish under the broiler for just one minute after reheating. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Seafood Mac and Cheese Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is. Once you master the creamy base, you can easily customize it to suit your cravings. Here are a few exciting twists I recommend:

• Add Some Heat: Feeling spicy? Stir a diced jalapeño into the cheese sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to take this comfort food to new heights.
• Luxury Upgrade: Toss in some bay scallops along with the shrimp. They cook very quickly and add a sweet, delicate flavor that feels extra fancy.
• Smoky Depth: Swap the Gruyere cheese for Smoked Gouda. This simple change gives the entire dish a rich, campfire-worthy flavor profile.
• The Crunch Factor: If you are a texture lover like me, mix panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top before baking for an irresistible, golden crunch.

Nutritional Information for Seafood Mac and Cheese

Just so you know what you’re diving into (because let’s be real, we’re all going back for seconds), here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving. Remember, these are estimates: Your exact numbers might vary depending on your specific ingredients:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g (all that seafood and cheese packs a punch!)
• Fat: 25g (15g saturated, that’s the good, creamy stuff)
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g

Now that you’re armed with all the info, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe and share your results, I can’t wait to hear how your seafood mac and cheese turns out!

Seafood Mac and Cheese FAQ

Decadent Seafood Comfort Food

If you’re craving the rich, cheesy indulgence of Seafood Mac and Cheese, these decadent recipes will satisfy your love for seafood and comfort food.

• Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese: A buttery grilled cheese loaded with garlic shrimp and gooey cheese on garlic bread.
• Bistro Shrimp Pasta: Elegant shrimp pasta tossed in a savory sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A lighter, zesty option featuring tender shrimp in a bright lemon garlic sauce.
• Shrimp Fried Rice: A flavorful and hearty fried rice dish packed with juicy shrimp and veggies.

Indulge in these rich and flavorful dishes next for the ultimate seafood feast!

​The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade

Seafood Mac and Cheese turns a standard dinner into a luxurious event. This recipe combines the nostalgic comfort of cheesy pasta with tender, succulent seafood for a dish that tastes like a five-star meal. You get a rich, velvety texture in every bite without needing complicated cooking techniques. It is the perfect way to impress guests or simply treat yourself after a long week.

Put this on your menu tonight. Please leave a comment below to share how it turned out. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes.

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