Nothing says comfort food like a creamy, cheesy bowl of Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe. Imagine tender elbow macaroni swirled in a luscious blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with generous portions of succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat. This dish brings together the richness of classic mac and cheese with a delightful ocean-fresh twist that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s absolutely perfect for cozy nights, special gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but packs a serious flavor punch with each carefully selected ingredient. Every element plays an important role—from the creamy cheeses that create that dreamy texture to the flavorful seafood that gives this dish its unique personality.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape perfect for holding all that creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps make the roux for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk (warm): Creates the creamy base of the sauce, warming it helps it mix smoothly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness and silkiness of the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp, bold flavor and that classic mac and cheese taste.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and mild creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that rounds out the cheese blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth and warmth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The perfect seafood seasoning to enhance the shrimp and crab flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and boosts all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: Tender with a mild sweetness that complements the cheese.
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained): Adds luxurious texture and ocean-fresh bite.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping): Provides a nice golden, crunchy finish when baked.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): A bright, fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for baking
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This makes clean-up easier and ensures your mac and cheese won’t stick.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender enough to soak up that luscious sauce. Drain and set aside, ready for the cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Make the roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key for creating a smooth base that thickens your sauce, giving it that creamy texture you crave.
Step 4: Create the cheese sauce
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream, stirring often to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully to coat the back of a spoon—this means it’s ready for the cheeses.
Step 5: Add the cheeses and seasonings
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and silky. Sprinkle in garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper for that unforgettable depth of flavor.
Step 6: Combine pasta and seafood
Gently fold the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, and crab meat into the cheese sauce, ensuring every bite will be packed with creamy, seafood-infused delight.
Step 7: Assemble and bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. For a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the surface if you’re using them. Pop it in the oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness. Serve hot and prepare for everyone to be wowed.
How to Serve Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding just the right freshness and a vibrant green contrast. For an extra touch, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of paprika to highlight those beautiful seafood flavors.
Side Dishes
This creamy seafood mac pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides like a fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a crisp bite. Roasted asparagus also complements the rich flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an elegant look. You can also scoop it into buttery puff pastry shells for an impressive appetizer or party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Seafood Mac & Cheese cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the mac and cheese uncovered until solid, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It should keep nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions but add a splash of milk to keep that sauce creamy and rich.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked lobster, scallops, or even smoked salmon to personalize your mac and cheese. The cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of seafood flavors.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Any pasta shape you like will work well—shells, cavatappi, or penne all hold the sauce beautifully. Just stick with something that has nooks and crannies for maximum deliciousness.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and swap out the cheeses for dairy-free versions. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different but still tasty.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the mac and cheese through Step 6, then refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, bake it fresh—this helps keep the topping nice and crunchy.
How spicy is the Old Bay seasoning in this recipe?
Old Bay adds a warm, slightly spicy, and savory complexity without overwhelming heat. It enhances the seafood flavor beautifully and most people find it perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that combines soulful comfort food with a touch of coastal elegance, this Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe is your new go-to. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s named with such confidence—it’s that good. Treat yourself, share it with friends, and watch this creamy, cheesy masterpiece become an instant favorite!
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Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Seafood Mac & Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with creamy, cheesy sauce and succulent seafood like shrimp and crab, baked to golden perfection. It’s a rich, comforting dish perfect for seafood lovers looking for a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
Topping & Garnish
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy serving.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Spices: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Fold in Pasta and Seafood: Gently fold the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, and lump crab meat into the cheese sauce, combining thoroughly without breaking the seafood.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the creamy seafood mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top if using for a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown for a perfectly cooked casserole.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of sharp and mild cheeses.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Old Bay seasoning.
- Using fresh seafood is ideal, but canned crab meat works well for convenience.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunchy texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness, or microwaved gently.
