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

OUSSA


 

1. Cook the Pasta

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

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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.

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