Seafood Mac and Cheese

Seafood Mac and Cheese: A Gourmet Comfort Classic

Seafood Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the beloved comfort food, combining the creamy indulgence of classic mac and cheese with the briny sweetness of seafood. It’s a perfect dish for special dinners, entertaining guests, or simply elevating a weeknight meal. This article walks you through every step to make this delicious dish from scratch—rich, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy.

🧀 Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi, etc.)
• Salt for pasta water

For the cheese sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (700ml) whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a mild kick)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth and tang)

For the seafood:

• 1/2 pound (225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound (225g) bay scallops (or sea scallops cut into pieces)
• 1/2 pound (225g) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing seafood)
• Salt and pepper, to season seafood
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

For the topping (optional but highly recommended):

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔥 Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the seafood

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and scallops, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until just opaque. Add minced garlic in the last minute, if using.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat, just to warm through.
4. Transfer all seafood to a plate and set aside.

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