Seafood Mac and Cheese

If comfort food had a luxurious upgrade, it would be this Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine everything you love about classic mac and cheesecreamy sauce, melty cheese, tender pasta but now infused with buttery lobster, sweet shrimp, and flaky crab meat. This dish is the ultimate combination of cozy and classy.

Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a romantic meal, or just want to spoil yourself with something extra indulgent, this seafood mac and cheese is a showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

Here’s why this mac and cheese recipe is next-level:

• Combines the comfort of mac with the elegance of seafood
• Super creamy, thanks to a rich 3-cheese blend
• Great for holidays, date nights, or potlucks
• Easy to prep ahead, bake, and reheat
• Customizable for any seafood lover

Looking for something a little more traditional? You’ll love our easy 3-cheese mac for a classic twist.he recipe.

Pure Comfort

There’s nothing more comforting than a spoonful of warm mac and cheese. Now imagine that, but with tender bites of seafood nestled between creamy noodles and golden cheese.

This Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers that same heartwarming comfort but with an elevated twist. The aroma alone will transport you to a cozy seaside bistro or a festive dinner table.

Ingredients of Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for this rich, crowd-pleasing seafood pasta bake:

What You Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Skillet for sautéing seafood
• 9×13-inch baking dish (if baking)
• Whisk, spoon, and cheese grater

Time to Cook

Steps to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

1. Boil pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté seafood: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook shrimp until pink, then add garlic, crab meat, and lobster. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
3. Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt remaining butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened.
4. Add cheese: Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
5. Combine pasta and seafood: Stir cooked seafood into the cheese sauce. Mix with pasta.
6. Bake (optional): Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot!

Make Seafood Mac and Cheese Perfect

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp they continue cooking in hot sauce.
• Want crunch? Add a panko topping before baking.

Want an even fancier seafood dinner idea? Try this smoked salmon brine method for a gourmet experience.

Mix Seafood Mac and Cheese Up

Make it your own with these twists:

• Swap lobster for scallops
• Use Gruyère or smoked gouda cheese
• Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes
• Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce

If you prefer seafood without pasta, explore our easy shrimp wraps as a light alternative.

Perfect Partners Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• A green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Crispy fried chicken alongside your seafood mac for a surf-and-turf dinner
• White wine or sparkling lemonade

Busy Day Hero

Pressed for time?

• Use pre-cooked shrimp
• Skip baking and serve straight from the stove
• Prep pasta and sauce the night before

Craving something even heartier? Add a cup of swamp soup for a soul-warming seafood starter.

Work Ahead Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

Need to prep ahead?

• Cook the pasta and seafood up to 1 day before
• Make the cheese sauce and refrigerate
• Assemble, cover, and bake fresh when needed
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months before baking

Save Some For Later

Leftovers? Lucky you!

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk
• Freeze portions for a quick dinner any night

Everyone’s Happy Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

It’s a win for kids, adults, picky eaters, and foodies alike. The cheese comforts, the seafood impresses, and the creamy texture wins every time.

Looking for a Southern-style seafood pairing? Try this Louisiana crawfish étouffée as the perfect Southern pairing.

Good For You Too

This is indulgent, yes but there’s a bonus:

• Seafood is packed with lean protein and omega-3s
• Add veggies like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for fiber
• Use low-fat milk and less cheese for a lighter version

Easy Clean Up Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

Minimal mess for maximum reward:

• 1 pot for pasta
• 1 skillet for seafood
• 1 saucepan for sauce
• 1 dish to bake (optional)

Rinse, wipe, done.

Switch It Up

Want a change?

• Try penne, cavatappi, or shells instead of elbow
• Use a smoked cheese blend
• Add chopped bacon or prosciutto
• Make it spicy with chili flakes or hot sauce

Simply Perfect Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

This dish doesn’t need much to shine. Quality cheese, fresh seafood, and a good pasta are all you need. It’s creamy, decadent, and totally unforgettable.

Serve it once and it’ll become a requested favorite forever.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. Do I have to bake it?
Nope! It’s delicious straight from the stove.

3. Can I use one type of seafood?
Absolutely. Just shrimp or crab is still delicious.

4. How do I make it spicy?
Add cayenne, Cajun seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce.

5. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just adjust cook time so it doesn’t overcook.

6. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days, covered in an airtight container.

Conclusion Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe is the comfort food of your dreams rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and easy enough to make anytime you want to treat yourself or impress your guests.

Try it with a side of crispy fried chicken or a bowl of swamp soup for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent this Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a luxurious seafood twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb elbow macaroni, ½ lb shrimp, ½ cup lump crab meat, 1 lobster tail (chopped, optional), 4 tbsp butter, ¼ cup flour, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 cups cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp Old Bay, ½ tsp paprika, salt & pepper to taste, fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook pasta until al dente and set aside. Sauté shrimp in butter with garlic, add crab and lobster. Set aside. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk and cream, then stir in cheeses and seasonings. Fold in seafood and pasta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use fresh seafood for best flavor. Can substitute with just shrimp or crab. Add breadcrumbs or hot sauce to customize.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop, Oven
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: seafood mac and cheese, creamy seafood pasta, shrimp crab mac and cheese