When you have a best friend who’s feeling under the weather and her favorite food is seafood… what do you make her? You make her this cheesy and comforting Seafood Mac and Cheese!

Yesssss! I thought long and hard on what I could make that would be extra special for my dear friend Rhonda. I couldn’t think of anything more comforting than mac and cheese surrounded by a bunch of local shrimp and crab meat… SCORE!

Rhonda is such a sweet and selfless person, when I told her I was making this she replied, “Please don’t go out of your way.” I replied, “Ummmm RHONDA I have a freakin’ food blog and my job is cooking which I LOVE!” 🙂

We met when I started working at a local surgical center in 2012 and we immediately became friends on my first day of work.

Last weekend was my birthday and Brian and I had a party celebrating moving into the new house. The best present ever was her presence and being able to spend time with my friend. We were even gifted with a beautiful rainbow right after she got here!

Seafood Mac and Cheese

To make this absolutely delicious version of Seafood Macaroni and Cheese, we’re using shrimp and crab meat, but you could use the seafood of your choice to make this creamy dish. It’s quick and easy to make, and it will bring back lots of great memories of walking in the sand along your favorite beach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Seafood Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shrimp and crab meat. Perfect for seafood lovers, it’s a dish that brings the flavors of the ocean to your table, making any meal feel special. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling macaroni
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan or skillet
• Cheese grater
• Baking dish
• Oven

Ingredients

• 2 cups of dry Macaroni
• 6 oz. Claw Crab Meat
• 8 oz. Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz. Sour Cream
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Flour
• 1 Spring Onion
• 1 can Evaporated Milk
• 8 oz. block Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
• 4 oz. block Mozzarella Cheese
• ¼ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed.
3. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain well.
4. Place the drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl and add the sour cream, stirring until all the noodles are coated.
5. Add the crab meat to the bowl and stir well.
6. Finely chop the spring onion and set aside.
7. Grate the white cheddar cheese and set aside.
8. Grate the mozzarella cheese and set aside.
9. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
10. Add the shrimp to the pan, turning and stirring until lightly cooked. Remove shrimp from the pan, chop slightly when cooled, and add to the macaroni mixture.
11. Add the finely chopped onions to the saucepan and sauté until tender.
12. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mix well. Cook and brown for about one minute.
13. Slowly add the evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
14. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts.
15. Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and seafood mixture, stirring well to combine.
16. Add salt and pepper to taste.
17. Place the mixture in a well-buttered baking dish.
18. Sprinkle the top with grated mozzarella cheese.
19. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of the mozzarella cheese.
20. Lightly sprinkle with paprika for color.
21. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
22. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
• If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, add an extra half cup of milk when adding the evaporated milk.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood like lobster or scallops.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• For a crunchy topping, mix the panko crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them on top.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe is not just tasty, it’s also packed with protein from the seafood. The exact nutritional values will depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used, but it’s a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and drain them before cooking.

What can I use instead of crab meat?
You can substitute with other shellfish or even a firm white fish.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Seafood Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting meal with your loved ones. If you try it, please let us know how it turned out and any variations you used. We’d love to hear from you!