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Absolutely—here’s a beginner-friendly, step-by-step Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender seafood—perfect for impressing family or friends with minimal stress.
🧀 Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or a pinch of cayenne, optional)
- 8 oz cooked seafood (shrimp, crabmeat, or scallops — thawed and patted dry if frozen)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional for topping)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ 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 set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce Base (Roux)
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a smooth paste (this cooks out the raw flour taste).
3️⃣ Add the Milk
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
4️⃣ Add the Cheese and Seasonings
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, paprika, and Old Bay.
- Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Stir until pasta is fully coated.
6️⃣ Fold in the Seafood
- Gently stir in the seafood. If using shrimp or scallops, make sure they’re cooked before adding (they only take 2–3 minutes in a skillet with butter or oil).
- Heat everything together for 1–2 minutes until seafood is warmed through.
7️⃣ Optional: Bake for a Crunchy Top
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra cheese, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
✅ Tips for Beginners
✔ Seafood shortcuts: Use pre-cooked shrimp or imitation crab if you’re nervous about cooking seafood.
✔ Milk choice: Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but 2% works too. Avoid skim milk—it’s too watery.
✔ Don’t overcook seafood: Add it just at the end so it stays tender.
✔ Customize: Add peas, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Would you like a one-pot version or stovetop-only instructions?
