Delux Mac and Cheese with Shrimp and Crab
Dive into ultimate seafood indulgence with this Deluxe Mac and Cheese with Shrimp and Crab, a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that's sure to elevate your comfort food game. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety three-cheese sauce—featuring cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan—for a rich, indulgent base. Succulent shrimp and sweet lump crab meat are sautéed with garlic and spices, infusing bold, savory flavors into every bite. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, this seafood mac and cheese is a decadent twist on a classic. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or a special family meal, this dish is a show-stopper that brings elegance to the table while remaining blissfully easy to prepare. Keywords: seafood mac and cheese, shrimp and crab mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lb Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz Lump crab meat
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.75 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and season with half of the paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, gently fold in the crab meat. Cook for 1-2 minutes just to heat through, then set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the roux is lightly golden.
Slowly add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6396 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 336.8 g | 432% | |
| Saturated Fat | 184.2 g | 921% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1927 mg | 642% | |
| Sodium | 8125 mg | 353% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 461.3 g | 168% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.2 g | ||
| Protein | 375.6 g | 751% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.5 mcg | 63% | |
| Calcium | 5160 mg | 397% | |
| Iron | 27.3 mg | 152% | |
| Potassium | 3942 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
