Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese

Here’s a rich and comforting Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese—cheesy, smooth, and loaded with tender seafood 🧀🍤🍝

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or shells)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup seafood mix (shrimp, crab meat, scallops, or imitation crab)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Optional: paprika or Old Bay seasoning

• Optional topping: breadcrumbs or extra cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

2. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Seafood

• If using raw shrimp or scallops, lightly sauté in butter for 2–3 minutes until just cooked.

• If using cooked crab or imitation crab, no cooking needed.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.

3. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly, until thickened.

4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.

5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional Old Bay.

4. Combine

1. Stir pasta into cheese sauce.

2. Gently fold in seafood.

Optional Baked Version

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.

3. Top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese.

4. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Tips

• Don’t overcook seafood—it should stay tender.

• Use Gruyère or Fontina for extra creaminess.

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.