Decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic!


 

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil macaroni 1 minute less than package instructions (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

(Great spot for an ad break—readers are engaged!)

2. Sauté the Seafood

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. Toss in seafood, lemon juice, and parsley. Cook just until heated through (1-2 mins). Set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour to make a roux (1 min).

  2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened (~5 mins).

  3. Off heat, stir in cheeses, Dijon, garlic powder, cayenne, salt & pepper.

4. Assemble & Bake

  1. Mix pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce in a greased 9x13-inch dish.

  2. Combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan; sprinkle over top.

  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 mins until golden and bubbly.

5. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional but Worth It!)

  • Broil 1-2 mins for a deeper golden crust.


Pro Tips for Perfect Seafood Mac

🔥 Undercook the pasta – Prevents mushiness.
🔥 Use high-quality cheese – Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
🔥 Fresh seafood vs. frozen – Thaw frozen seafood completely and pat dry.
🔥 Make ahead – Assemble (unbaked), refrigerate, then bake +10 mins.


5 Luxe Variations

🦞 Lobster Mac – Swap seafood for 1 lb chopped lobster meat.
🍤 Cajun Shrimp – Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning before sautéing.
🦀 Crab & Old Bay – Use lump crab + ½ tsp Old Bay in the sauce.
🌶 Spicy Sriracha – Drizzle with Sriracha before baking.
🍅 Tomato & Basil – Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes + fresh basil.

(Another prime ad placement—readers love upgrades!)