Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe: Ocean-Fresh Comfort

Creamy seafood mac and cheese beckons with irresistible maritime charm, promising a luxurious twist on comfort food.

Coastal flavors dance through each forkful, blending tender shellfish with velvety pasta.

Delicate shrimp and succulent crab mingle effortlessly with sharp cheddar and smooth gruyère.

Rich, indulgent layers create a symphony of textures that surprise and delight.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Nautical memories swirl in every bite, connecting ocean bounty with classic pasta comfort.

Seafood Mac and Cheese That’s Creamy and Comforting

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a luxurious seafood feast that impresses everyone at the table.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this indulgent dish in under an hour, combining simple ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal without extensive cooking skills.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by switching seafood types or adding extra vegetables, making it perfect for flexible family dinners or special gatherings.
• Gourmet Touch Made Simple: Combine affordable ingredients like crab, shrimp, and pantry staples to create a sophisticated dish that feels elegant yet approachable for home cooks.

Seafood Mac and Cheese – Required Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds protein and ocean flavor, select medium-sized with good color and no strong odor.
• Crab Meat: Sweet and delicate seafood that complements the dish, choose lump or jumbo lump for best texture.

• Macaroni, Sour Cream, Evaporated Milk: Creamy base for the casserole, pasta provides hearty foundation.
• Sharp White Cheddar, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich cheeses that create smooth and stretchy texture, use freshly grated for best melting.

• Spring Onion: Fresh herb adding mild onion flavor and color.
• Butter, Flour: Create roux for thickening sauce, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that adds golden crunch.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper.

Seafood Mac & Cheese Instructions for Creamy Comfort

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Prep the Seafood Stars

Clean and prep the shrimp, ensuring they’re ready to shine in the dish.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain completely.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Base

Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl and blend with sour cream, coating each noodle.

Step 5: Welcome the Ocean Goodies

Fold in the crab meat, creating a delightful seafood foundation.

Step 6: Chop and Prepare Flavor Boosters

• Spring onions
• Sharp white cheddar
• Mozzarella cheese

Finely chop and grate these ingredients, setting them aside for later.

Step 7: Sauté the Shrimp

Melt butter in a saucepan and cook shrimp until just done.

Chop into bite-sized pieces after cooling.

Step 8: Build the Seafood Mixture

Add chopped shrimp to the macaroni and crab mixture, creating a seafood sensation.

Step 9: Create the Magical Cheese Sauce

Sauté onions until tender, then sprinkle with flour and cook for a minute.

Step 10: Pour and Thicken

Slowly add evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 11: Cheese Cascade

Gradually incorporate grated cheddar, stirring until it melts into a smooth sauce.

Step 12: Unite the Flavors

Pour the cheese sauce over the seafood pasta, mixing thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 13: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.

Step 14: Add the Crispy Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• A light dusting of paprika

Step 15: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown.

Step 16: Serve and Savor

Pull out the mac and cheese, let it cool slightly, and dive into a creamy, seafood-packed delight!

Seafood Mac Tips for Ultra-Cheesy Flavor

• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp and crab meat for the best flavor and texture in your mac and cheese.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tenderness and avoid rubbery texture.
• Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet before sprinkling to enhance their golden, crispy texture.
• Swap evaporated milk with lactose-free milk or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version suitable for different dietary needs.

Reheat Seafood Mac and Cheese Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in oven at 350°F, covered with foil. Stir occasionally and add extra cheese or milk to prevent drying out.

Delicious Matches for Seafood Mac & Cheese

• Savor Crisp White Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich seafood mac and cheese, cutting through the creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
• Elevate with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's decadent cheese and seafood flavors, adding a tangy contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the mac and cheese to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural crunch.
• Recommend Sparkling Rosé: A chilled sparkling rosé brings effervescence and light fruity undertones that enhance the seafood's delicate flavors while cleansing the palate.

Seafood Mac n Cheese Cheesy Additions

• Gluten-Free Seafood Mac and Cheese: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce. Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Low-Carb Ocean Casserole: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrates.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Mac: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning to the cheese sauce. Include andouille sausage alongside shrimp and crab for extra flavor and heat.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Seafood Bake: Replace white cheddar with feta cheese. Add chopped kalamata olives and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley. Include chunks of white fish or scallops for protein variety.

FAQs

• What types of seafood work best in this mac and cheese?

Shrimp and crab meat are perfect for this recipe. You can also use lobster or scallops for added variety and flavor.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour and breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Gradually add cheese and stir constantly while melting. Use room temperature cheese and avoid overheating to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Seafood Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy seafood mac and cheese blends ocean-fresh flavors with classic comfort. Succulent shrimp and tender crab mingle with rich, velvety cheese sauce, creating a luxurious pasta experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 6 ounces (170 grams) claw crab meat
• 8 ounces (227 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Dairy

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) dry macaroni
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sour cream
• 8 ounces (227 grams) block sharp white cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) block mozzarella cheese
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) flour

Seasonings and Toppings

• 1 spring onion
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) panko bread crumbs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the seafood mac and cheese.
2. Clean and prepare the shrimp by removing shells and veins if they haven’t been pre-processed.
3. Cook macaroni in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly to prevent waterlogged pasta.
4. Transfer the drained pasta into a spacious mixing vessel, creating the foundation for the seafood creation.
5. Incorporate sour cream into the pasta, ensuring each noodle receives a smooth, creamy coating.
6. Gently fold in delicate crab meat, distributing it evenly throughout the pasta mixture.
7. Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté shrimp until they turn a gentle pink, then remove and allow to cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
8. In the same pan, sauté finely chopped spring onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
9. Dust the softened onions with flour, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce and provide a rich base.
10. Slowly stream in evaporated milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth sauce.
11. Gradually introduce grated sharp white cheddar, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates into the sauce.
12. Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the seafood-pasta mixture, stirring to ensure complete coverage.
13. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, balancing the flavors of seafood and cheese.
14. Transfer the combined mixture into a generously buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.
15. Sprinkle a layer of grated mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
16. Scatter panko breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crisp, textural contrast.
17. Dust with a light sprinkle of paprika to add a warm, inviting color and subtle depth.
18. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.
19. Remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly before serving, ensuring the flavors have melded perfectly.

Notes

• Customize seafood choices by mixing in different types like scallops or lobster for a unique flavor profile.
• Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra seafood or including diced cooked bacon for a savory crunch.
• Balance richness by using low-fat dairy options without compromising the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg