Savory Seafood Symphony: Lobster Crab Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

Dive into a luxurious seafood twist on a classic comfort dish with this incredible lobster crab shrimp mac and cheese that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Succulent seafood meets creamy, cheesy pasta in a decadent blend of ocean-fresh flavors.

Each forkful delivers a rich, indulgent experience that elevates the traditional mac and cheese to gourmet heights.

Tender chunks of lobster, sweet crab, and plump shrimp nestle among perfectly cooked pasta shells.

Melted cheeses create a velvety sauce that binds these maritime treasures into one irresistible casserole.

The combination of delicate seafood and robust cheese makes this dish a showstopper for any special occasion.

Prepare to impress with this restaurant-worthy meal that brings the best of land and sea together in one unforgettable recipe.

Kitchen Tools for Seafood Mac

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta until perfectly al dente.
• Skillet: Perfect for creating a smooth, creamy roux and sautéing onions.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending milk and creating a silky cheese sauce without lumps.
• Cheese grater: Needed to shred fresh cheeses for maximum melting and flavor.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for layering mac and cheese with seafood.
• Cutting board: Helps chop vegetables and prepare ingredients cleanly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Colander: Drains pasta and prevents overcooking.
• Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to keep moisture in.

Making Lobster, Crab & Shrimp Mac at Home

• Seafood Preparation

Gather fresh lobster, crab, and shrimp. Clean and chop the seafood into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no shells remain.

• Pasta Foundation

Cook pasta until tender but firm. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking process. Set aside.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add finely chopped onions and cook until translucent. Sprinkle flour to create a smooth base. Pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to create a silky sauce. Incorporate rich cheeses until melted and glossy.

• Seafood and Pasta Marriage

Gently fold pasta into the cheese sauce. Add seafood pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh herbs.

• Baking Brilliance

Transfer the creamy seafood mixture to a ceramic baking dish. Top with additional cheese for a golden, crispy layer. Slide into a preheated oven.

• Final Touch

Bake until the top turns golden brown and cheese bubbles with excitement. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy, Ocean-Rich Pasta

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood from a reliable fishmonger for the best flavor and texture. Mix different shellfish types for a more complex taste profile.
• Grate cheese while it's cold for smoother melting. Use a blend of sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan to create a rich, complex cheese sauce that complements the seafood.
• Top the mac and cheese with toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers for an irresistible crispy layer that adds wonderful texture to the creamy dish.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning to give the dish a subtle kick that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Plate It Fancy or Comfort-Style

• Sea-Lover's Seafood Feast: Pair this luxurious mac and cheese with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
• Elegant Dinner Presentation: Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and a wedge of lemon for a pop of color and brightness that enhances the seafood flavors.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the decadent mac and cheese with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or a crisp sauvignon blanc, which will cut through the richness and highlight the delicate seafood notes.
• Brunch Inspiration: Transform leftovers into a stunning brunch dish by topping with a perfectly poached egg and serving alongside some toasted artisan bread for a gourmet morning meal.

Store & Reheat Without Losing That Seafood Flavor

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping the dish chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and avoid dried-out edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Pack cooled macaroni and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving small space for expansion. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze up to three months for future enjoyment.
• Portion Control Approach: Divide remaining seafood mac and cheese into single-serving containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches, ensuring each portion contains balanced seafood and pasta components.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes into Seafood Macaroni & Cheese

• Shrimp: Select fresh, wild-caught shrimp with firm texture and sweet ocean aroma for the best flavor and quality.
• Lobster: Choose bright-colored, fresh lobster meat with a clean, briny scent to ensure maximum maritime richness.
• Crab Meat: Opt for lump or jumbo lump crab meat with minimal shell fragments for delicate, sweet seafood experience.

• Whole Milk, Half & Half: Provides creamy base with luxurious texture and balanced richness for sauce.
• Gouda, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Cheddar, Gruyere Cheeses: Blend creates complex, multi-layered cheese flavor with smooth melting characteristics.
• Butter: Adds depth and helps create silky sauce foundation.

• Onion, Garlic, Thyme: Fresh herbs and aromatics develop deep, multilayered flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall taste.
• Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning: Delivers complex, well-rounded spice blend.
• Hot Sauce, Liquid Crab Boil: Introduces subtle heat and additional seafood-forward nuance.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides light, fruity undertone and helps prevent sticking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Crucial for creating smooth, velvety cheese sauce consistency.

• Penne or Large Elbow Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce effectively and provides textural contrast.

Perfect Lobster, Crab, Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy seafood mac delight combines succulent lobster, crab, and shrimp in a rich, cheesy sauce. Gourmet comfort awaits with this luxurious pasta dish that promises satisfaction for passionate home cooks.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb raw, deveined shrimp (tails removed)
• ½–¾ lb chopped lobster (raw or pre-steamed)
• ½–¾ lb lump crab meat
• 1 lb penne or large elbow pasta
• 3 cups grated Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 cups grated Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half & half
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup diced onion
• 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1–2 tbsps Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning (or your preferred all-purpose seasoning)
• 2–3 tsp hot sauce or Tabasco
• 1–2 tsp liquid crab boil (optional, for extra flavor)
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Finely dice vegetables, grate cheeses, and season seafood with salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs to elevate flavor profile.
2. Pasta Foundation: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and lightly toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Sauce Creation: Warm milk and half & half. In a skillet, melt butter and oil, sauté onions until translucent. Develop a roux by sprinkling flour, incorporating garlic and thyme, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Cheese Fusion: Whisk warmed dairy into roux, creating a velvety base. Enhance with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Gradually melt cheese blend until smooth and homogeneous.
5. Assembly: Combine macaroni with cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, strategically layering seafood and additional cheese for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil, bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until top achieves golden-brown perfection and seafood reaches optimal doneness.
7. Finishing Touch: Rest the dish 5-7 minutes to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld. Serve piping hot, showcasing the luxurious seafood mac and cheese creation.

Notes

• Seafood Selection Tip: Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the most authentic and delicious flavor profile. Avoid frozen or pre-cooked seafood to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheeses yourself for smoother melting and better integration into the sauce. Use a combination of sharp and mild cheeses to create a complex, rich flavor.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook macaroni just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy texture and ensures perfectly tender pasta in the final dish.
• Foil Covering Strategy: Use aluminum foil during initial baking to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the final baking stage to create a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing.
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg