Name: Seafood Mac N Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Seafood:

12 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into bite-sized pieces
½ pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little butter or oil. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just pink and opaque. Remove from heat and gently fold in the lump crab meat. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and onion powder. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and seafood to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g