🛒 What You’ll Need
🍝 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
🦐 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
🦀 8 oz lump crab meat
🧈 4 tablespoons butter
🌾 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
🥛 3 cups whole milk
🧀 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
🧀 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 1 teaspoon Old Bay-style seafood seasoning
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🌶️ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
✨ For the Topping
🍞 ½ cup breadcrumbs
🧀 ¼ cup Parmesan
🧈 1 tablespoon melted butter
👩🍳 How to Make It
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente according to the package directions.
Drain and set aside.
Don't overcook it—the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. 🍝
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp lightly with the seafood seasoning.
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through.
Remove from the heat and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. 🧀
Add the garlic, remaining seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.
Gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat.
Be careful with the crab—you want those beautiful pieces to stay intact.
5️⃣ Make the Topping
Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly over the top.
6️⃣ Bake Until Golden
Transfer everything to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
For an extra-crispy finish, broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
7️⃣ Let It Rest
Let the mac and cheese sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Then scoop out a big serving and prepare for everyone to ask:
“Can I have some more?” 😂🦐
✨ Want to Make It Your Own?
🦞 Add cooked lobster for an extra-special version.
🌶️ Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
🧄 Increase the garlic if you're a serious garlic lover.
🥓 Add a little crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
🧀 Try Gruyère or smoked Gouda alongside the cheddar.
🌿 Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
💡 A Little Tip
Don't overcook the seafood.
Shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long, and crab is already cooked in most recipes, so it mainly needs to warm through.
For the creamiest mac and cheese, grate your cheese yourself if possible—it usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
❤️ When Comfort Food Gets Dressed Up
There's something wonderful about taking a familiar favorite and giving it a special twist.
Mac and cheese brings the comfort.
Shrimp and crab bring the celebration.
And that golden, bubbling cheese on top?
That's the part everyone waits for. 🧀🔥
This is the kind of dish that belongs right in the center of the dinner table—with plenty of hungry people gathered around it.
💬 Your Turn!
What seafood belongs in your mac and cheese?
🦐 Shrimp
🦀 Crab
🦞 Lobster
🐚 A little bit of everything!
And here's the big question:
Would you add a little heat to yours? 🌶️
Tell us in the comments! 👇
Thank you for spending a little time with us today. ❤️
✍️ Written with care by BASSMA EL-HAZIBI
