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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Seafood Mac and Cheese. Loaded with succulent crab and shrimp, this dish takes traditional mac and cheese to a whole new level with the addition of Old Bay and Cajun seasoning for a delicious kick. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
📋 Recipe Details:
- Course: Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine: American
- Keyword: Crab Mac and Cheese, Seafood Mac and Cheese, Shrimp Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Calories: 521 kcal
📝 Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided: 4 tablespoons for the cheese sauce and 1 tablespoon for cooking the seafood)
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and sliced into 1-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or your preferred seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2-3 cups milk (start with 2 cups and add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Seafood:
- Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp along with the Old Bay seasoning and optional Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the shrimp are just cooked through. Add the crab meat and gently stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping the seafood in the butter sauce.
4️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue whisking until the flour is fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly add the milk and heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add half of the shredded cheeses (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano) and the cream cheese (if using). Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed, tasting the sauce to ensure it’s well-flavored.
5️⃣ Combine the Pasta, Seafood, and Cheese Sauce:
- Return the cooked pasta to the large pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir until fully combined. Add the cooked seafood along with the butter sauce it was cooked in. Stir to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
6️⃣ Assemble and Bake:
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the pan, followed by a layer of the remaining shredded cheeses. Add another layer of the pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese. If your dish is piled high, place it on a sheet pan to catch any potential drippings.
- Bake for 25-45 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your preference for how browned you like the crust.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this seafood mac and cheese!
📌 Notes:
- Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to use any cheese you like. Grating your own cheese will result in the creamiest sauce.
- Creamy and Cheesy Tip: For an extra cheesy dish, add 1 to 1 ½ cups of additional shredded cheddar to the cheese sauce.
- Baking Dish Options: Use a 9×13-inch dish for a standard bake or an 8×8-inch dish for a dramatic, overflowing effect.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is best served fresh. If making it ahead, keep it warm in the oven and serve while the cheese is still soft and gooey.
Enjoy Your Creamy Baked Seafood Mac and Cheese! 🦐🧀
This rich and decadent dish is perfect for a special dinner or whenever you want to impress with a twist on classic comfort food. The combination of crab, shrimp, and a luscious cheese sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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