Description
Enjoy a creamy and flavorful Seafood Mac and Cheese made with tender shrimp, imitation crab, and a blend of rich cheeses, perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook cavatappi pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and half & half, cooking until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in seasonings and melted cheeses until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and seafood, gently mixing until combined.
- Transfer to baking dish, topping with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain texture.
Let the mac and cheese rest after baking for better serving consistency.
Feel free to customize seafood types based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg