seafood mac and cheese recipe
This delightful seafood mac and cheese combines creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta, succulent seafood, and a crunchy topping. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish brings a taste of the ocean to comfort food.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking dish
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, add both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni, sautéed shrimp, and crab meat into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Pour the seafood mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add other seafood like scallops or lobster for a more luxurious dish. You can also substitute different types of cheese as per your preference, like gouda or parmesan. For a little spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.