Rich, creamy, and packed with tender seafood — Seafood Mac and Cheese is an indulgent twist on the comfort food classic. With a buttery cheese sauce and a medley of shrimp, crab, or lobster, it’s the kind of dish that turns any night into a celebration.
Origin Seafood Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese may have humble roots, but seafood versions are popular in coastal cuisines from Southern soul food kitchens to upscale New England bistros. This version blends buttery shellfish with a velvety cheese sauce for a decadent, ocean-kissed take.
What I Love About This Recipe
It’s ultra-satisfying. The contrast between the delicate seafood and the bold, creamy cheese sauce is perfection. And it’s surprisingly easy to make for something that feels so special.
Also Read : Mississippi Pot Roast Dip
Seafood Mac and Cheese
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes710
kcalIngredients
8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup lump crab meat or cooked lobster meat
1 tbsp butter (for sautéing seafood)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of Old Bay or paprika (optional)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar
½ cup shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of cayenne or nutmeg (optional)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
Chopped parsley or chives
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and lightly sauté shrimp (and lobster if raw) for 2–3 minutes until just cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Old Bay. Set aside with crab meat.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (5–6 minutes).
- Stir in cheeses, Dijon mustard, cayenne/nutmeg, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy. Fold in the pasta and seafood gently.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. If using, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Use high-quality seafood — fresh or well-drained canned crab/lobster work beautifully.
- Add cooked scallops or chunks of salmon for a heartier version.
- For stovetop-only: skip baking and serve right after mixing everything together.
