If you’ve ever dreamed of a mac and cheese that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with luxurious seafood flavors, then you’re in for a real treat. This Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with succulent shrimp and sweet crab, all wrapped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a comforting blend of textures and tastes that elevate the classic mac and cheese to a restaurant-worthy delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to put together this spectacular dish. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating that luscious cheese sauce to infusing the rich seafood flavor and providing the perfect texture and color.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and is the base for the roux that thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create the smooth and creamy cheese sauce by thickening the milk and cream.
- 2 cups whole milk (warm): Provides a creamy base that balances the sharpness of the cheeses.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the silkiness of the sauce for that decadent mouthfeel.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The heart of the mac and cheese flavor — tangy, sharp, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchiness and creaminess for an irresistible pull effect.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A punch of savory, nutty depth that complements the other cheeses.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The secret ingredient that brings out the seafood’s natural flavors with a mild kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural tastes and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy note without overpowering.
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped: Tender, succulent bites that mingle beautifully with the cheesy pasta.
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained): Delicate sweetness that elevates the dish to true seafood luxury.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping): Creates a golden, crunchy crust for delicious texture contrast when baked.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This simple step sets the stage for your mac and cheese to bake evenly and not stick, ensuring an easy cleanup and perfectly golden top later.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Boil your elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. It’s important not to overcook here because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and you want to avoid any mushiness in your final dish. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This makes the roux, the thickening base for your cheese sauce, which should be smooth and free of lumps before adding the liquids.
Step 4: Create the creamy sauce
Slowly whisk warm whole milk and heavy cream into the roux until the mixture is silky smooth. Keep stirring as it thickens over the next 5 to 7 minutes to build that luxurious, velvety sauce that will hug every pasta piece perfectly.
Step 5: Cheese it up!
Remove your sauce from the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until the cheese melts into a gloriously smooth, rich, and flavorful sauce that’s the heart of your dish.
Step 6: Combine pasta and seafood
Gently fold the cooked pasta alongside the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat into your cheese sauce. Be delicate here to keep those juicy seafood pieces intact and evenly dispersed throughout every bite.
Step 7: Assemble and bake
Pour the cheesy seafood pasta mix into your prepared baking dish. For an irresistible crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for about 18 to 20 minutes until it’s bubbling and the top is lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe hot for the ultimate indulgent experience.
How to Serve Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or even a squeeze of lemon brightens the rich flavors and adds a fresh herbal zing. A dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can elevate the presentation and taste further.
Side Dishes
This creamy seafood mac is quite the star, so pairing it with light, crisp sides works beautifully. Think simple green salads with vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts—all bring fresh, textural contrast to balance the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with lobster or crab claws for a wow factor at dinner parties. Alternatively, spoon into tasty bread bowls or stuff into bell peppers for a colorful, unique presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your seafood mac and cheese, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal option for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this dish freezes well. Place cooled seafood mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your mac and cheese with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. If it seems dry, stir in a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy consistency you loved at first bite.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap shrimp and crab for lobster, scallops, or even a seafood medley. Just be mindful of cooking times, especially for delicate seafood.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese can work in a pinch, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives you that luscious sauce texture without any additives that sometimes prevent proper melting.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the seafood is what makes this mac and cheese special, you can omit the shrimp and crab and add extras like roasted vegetables or smoked cheeses for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne can replicate its signature spicy, savory flavor.
How creamy should the sauce be before baking?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will firm up a bit more during baking, so getting a smooth, rich texture at this stage is key to success.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the comfort and indulgence of this Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of cozy, creamy goodness and elegant seafood flair that makes every bite special. Whether for a family dinner or impressing guests, you really can’t go wrong. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be one of your all-time favorites!
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Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Seafood Mac & Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat for a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. Baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate indulgence that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
Topping & Garnish
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk and heavy cream, stirring frequently to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the sauce from the heat and mix in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Seafood and Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, and lump crab meat into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve hot for a comforting and indulgent meal.
Notes
- Using warmed milk and cream helps prevent lumps in the sauce for a smoother texture.
- The breadcrumbs topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch—panko breadcrumbs can be used for lighter texture.
- Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with fusilli, penne, or shells as preferred.
- Ensure shrimp is fully cooked before mixing in to prevent any raw seafood taste.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh to save time.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
