1. Cook the Pasta
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
Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in seafood, lemon juice, and parsley. Cook just until heated through (1-2 mins). Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour to make a roux (1 min).
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened (~5 mins).
Off heat, stir in cheeses, Dijon, garlic powder, cayenne, salt & pepper.
4. Assemble & Bake
Mix pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce in a greased 9x13-inch dish.
Combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan; sprinkle over top.
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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