If you love the comforting hug of classic mac and cheese but crave a little something extra, this Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe is going to become your new favorite dish. Imagine tender elbow macaroni bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce loaded with luscious crab meat, succulent shrimp, and sweet bay scallops. Each bite is a delightful dance of creamy, savory, and subtly smoky flavors that magically come together to redefine comfort food. It’s elegant enough for special dinners yet cozy enough for weeknight indulgence, making this recipe an absolute must-try for seafood and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays its part in building layers of flavor, lusciousness, and that irresistible texture you’ll crave. From the sharpness of cheddar to the delicate seafood, every element is essential for perfect harmony in this dish.
- 1 lb elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto every bit of the creamy sauce and seafood.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and is the base of the luscious cheese sauce.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps create a velvety roux to thicken the cheese sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and smooth texture throughout the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds extra indulgence and richness for that sumptuous mouthfeel.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers a bold, tangy flavor that’s classic mac and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts into gooey strands and balances cheddar’s sharpness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Subtle warmth that enhances the savory flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle aromatic note that melds all the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky, mild spice that complements the seafood perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Crucial for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat: Sweet, tender crab enhances the seafood profile with delicate texture and flavor.
- 1/2 lb small shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds juicy, briny bites that contrast wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 lb bay scallops: Sweet, buttery scallops bring extra depth and sumptuousness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly cooking the shrimp and scallops without drying them out.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping): Adds a crispy, golden crunch for texture contrast when broiled.
How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender. This gives the pasta enough bite to hold its shape and not get mushy amidst the creamy seafood sauce. Once cooked, drain it and set aside for later layering into the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Seafood
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add shrimp and bay scallops. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to bring out their natural flavors. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the seafood turns just opaque, avoiding overcooking to keep them tender and juicy. Set the seafood aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux, which is the thickening base for your sauce. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency—approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This sauce is the heart of your dish, bursting with layers of cheesy, smoky, savory goodness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Seafood with the Sauce
Gently fold the cooked macaroni, lump crab meat, sautéed shrimp, and scallops into the cheese sauce. Take care to mix just enough to combine, so the seafood keeps its texture and the sauce coats every piece perfectly. Warm everything through gently on low heat, creating a harmonious blend bursting with creamy, briny flavors.
Step 5: Optional Broiling for a Crunchy Topping
If you love a crunchy contrast, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top of your mac and cheese, then place it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Be mindful to watch closely to avoid burning. This step adds a wonderful texture play that takes the dish from delicious to dazzling.
How to Serve Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of bright green freshness to balance the richness. You could also add a few lemon wedges on the side for those who love a zesty finish that cuts through the creamy sauce and highlights the seafood flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because the Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe is so indulgent, lighter, crisp sides work best. Think along the lines of a peppery arugula salad with a simple vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic. These fresh vegetables provide contrast and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties or family gatherings—each guest gets a perfectly portioned, bubbling mini casserole. Alternatively, top with a little extra cheese and bake until bubbling and golden for an inviting presentation that’s irresistible the moment it hits the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The interplay of flavors actually improves after resting, but the texture might firm up, which is nothing a gentle reheat can fix.
Freezing
This Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and preserve creaminess. Alternatively, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute lobster, cooked white fish, or even clams to suit your taste. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything remains tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux. Also, confirm that your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or skip the topping.
How spicy is the dish, and can I add heat?
This Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe has a gentle smoky warmth from the smoked paprika. If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a fiery kick.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the cheese sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, gently warm it on the stove, then fold in cooked pasta and seafood before serving or baking.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
The blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and salty Parmesan gives this recipe its perfect balance of flavor and meltability. You can experiment with Gruyere or fontina for a unique twist, but stick to cheeses that melt well.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—whether to impress at dinner parties or just to treat yourself on a cozy night in. Its rich, creamy texture paired with fresh, tender seafood hits all the comfort food sweet spots while feeling special and satisfying. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This creamy and decadent Seafood Mac & Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, infused with subtle spices and topped with succulent crab meat, shrimp, and bay scallops. Finished with a crispy panko topping and fresh parsley, this comfort dish is perfect for a flavorful main course that satisfies seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Seafood
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 lb small shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 lb bay scallops
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Seafood: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and bay scallops, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn just opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux without browning. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood with Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni, lump crab meat, and the cooked shrimp and scallops gently into the cheese sauce to combine well and heat through evenly.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Substitute lobster or cooked white fish for any of the seafood to customize the dish.
- For added heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
- Ensure seafood is cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest sauce; lower fat alternatives may affect texture.
- Broiling the breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
