Seafood mac and cheese

Here’s a creamy seafood mac and cheese that’s rich but still easy to make 🧀🦐

Seafood Mac & Cheese

Ingredients (serves ~4–6)

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or shells
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or more milk)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 8 oz seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster, or a mix – cooked or quick-cooking)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika or Old Bay seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional topping: breadcrumbs + melted butter

Instructions

1. Cook pasta
   Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make cheese sauce
   In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
   Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
   Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook until slightly thick.
   Stir in cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add seafood
   Gently fold seafood into the sauce.
   • Shrimp: cook just until pink (2–3 minutes)
   • Crab or lobster: just heat through
4. Combine
   Stir in pasta until well coated.
5. Optional bake
   Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Tips & variations

• Add spinach or peas for color
• Use smoked gouda or gruyère for extra flavor
• Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne

If you want, I can make it:

• Extra creamy
• Budget-friendly
• Oven-free (stovetop only)