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A white casserole dish filled with seafood mac and cheese, topped with melted cheese and shrimp, rests on a wooden table with a woven placemat underneath.
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5 from 3 votes

Decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic with a Luxurious Twist

If you’re a fan of comfort food with a touch of luxury, this Seafood Mac and Cheese is calling your name. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender shrimp, sweet lobster, and succulent crab. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave everyone at the table raving. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s dive into this decadent creation!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheese, decadent, mac, seafood
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne or large elbow pasta
  • 3 quart water
  • 3 tbsp kosher salt
  • 3 cup whole milk
  • 2 cup half & half
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1-2 tbsp All-Purpose Seasoning
  • 2-3 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco)
  • 1-2 tsp liquid crab boil (optional)
  • 3 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 3 cup grated Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, deveined and tails removed
  • 1/2–3/4 lb lobster meat, chopped (raw or pre-steamed)
  • 1/2–3/4 lb lump crab meat
  • Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

Instructions

  • Grate all the cheeses and combine them in a large mixing bowl. Set aside 2 cups of the cheese for layering later.
  • Lightly season the shrimp and lobster with kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of All-Purpose Seasoning. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the sauce.
  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 3 tablespoons of salt to the water. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Warm the milk and half & half in the microwave for 3–4 minutes. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour, cooking for 2 minutes to form a roux. Avoid browning the flour. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk mixture until smooth. Season with All-Purpose Seasoning, hot sauce, and liquid crab boil (if using). Simmer for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Stir in 3 cups of the cheese blend until melted and smooth.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray if desired. Layer half of the pasta and cheese sauce into the dish, followed by half the seafood and 1 cup of the reserved cheese.Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, seafood, and cheese.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 460kcal