Seafood Mac and Cheese

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This Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe is like your favorite comfort food, only elevated! Made with a variety of seafood, cream, and a few different types of cheeses, it’s hearty, indulgent, and incredibly delicious!

Prep Time25

Cook Time20

Total Time45

Course: Appetizer, Appetizers & Sides, Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Mac and Cheese, Scallions, Seafood, Seafood Mac and Cheese, shrimp

Servings: Servings

Calories: 718kcal

Author: Cynthia Rusincovitch

Ingredients

3 cup elbow macaroni pasta
3 tbsp butter
8 oz scallops
1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
3 tbsp flour
2 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
2 cup white cheddar shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375F.
Then, cook macaroni following the package directions but reducing the cooking time by ¼. So if it says 8 minutes, cook them for only 6 minutes. Drain and place pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
Heat one tbsp of butter in a skillet. As it melts, incorporate shrimp and scallops. Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pale pink and evenly cooked. Remove them from the skillet.
Next, use the same skillet to prepare the cheesy sauce. Add 2 tbsp of butter and let it melt. Then, add flour and mix to combine. Continue by adding the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Add shredded cheddar and mix. Once it’s well combined, remove from heat. Taste saltiness and adjust if necessary.
Add cooked seafood to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Place cooked pasta into an 8” x 13” baking tray and cover with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat. Finally, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is gratinated.
Serve Warm

Notes

Storing Tips:

Once the seafood mac and cheese has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container. Ensure that the dish is divided into smaller portions for easier reheating later.
Label the container with the date of preparation. Seafood dishes are best consumed within 3 days of preparation to maintain freshness.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave Reheating: For a quick individual serving, microwave the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.

Oven Reheating: Preheat the oven to around 350°F (175°C). Transfer the seafood mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish if not already in one. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until the dish is thoroughly heated.

If the mac and cheese seems dry after reheating, consider adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating. This helps to restore some creaminess to the sauce.

Recipe Notes:

Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe is an indulgent dish that combines tender shrimp and scallops with al dente macaroni in a rich, creamy, and flavorful cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, the top layer of melted mozzarella cheese complements the creamy base, creating a dish that's both elegant and comforting. Perfect for a special meal or as a crowd-pleasing comfort food, this seafood-infused mac and cheese is a luxurious twist on a classic favorite.

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