Seafood Mac and Cheese

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Seafood Mac and Cheese

Introduction:
Elevate your comfort food game with this decadent recipe for Seafood Mac and Cheese—a creamy and indulgent twist on the classic favorite. Loaded with tender seafood, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavor and luxurious texture. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner for two or served as a show-stopping main course at a dinner party, Seafood Mac and Cheese is guaranteed to be a hit with seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible dish!

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or shell pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces mixed seafood (such as shrimp, crab meat, and/or lobster meat), cooked and chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Optional breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown and fragrant.
  4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth, then continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Gruyere cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Add the cooked and chopped seafood to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the seafood and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the seafood mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  10. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for added texture.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  12. Remove the Seafood Mac and Cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  13. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Conclusion:
With its creamy cheese sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta, Seafood Mac and Cheese is a luxurious and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner at home or served as a main course at a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavor and decadent texture. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade Seafood Mac and Cheese!

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