Seafood Mac and Cheese

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Seafood, and Cheese Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pasta and cheese mixture for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
2. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
• Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavor of the seafood-infused macaroni.

Tips for the Perfect Seafood Mac and Cheese

• Choose fresh seafood: Fresh shrimp, scallops, or crab make a big difference in flavor.
• Cheese choice matters: Sharp cheddar gives flavor, Gruyère adds a nutty, melty richness.
• Don’t overcook pasta: The pasta will cook slightly more in the oven, so slightly undercook it when boiling.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.

Seafood Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance—a creamy, cheesy pasta infused with the ocean’s best flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

If you want, I can also make a visually appealing version with images for each step, so it looks like a full recipe guide ready to follow in the kitchen.

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