The Ultimate Lobster Crab Shrimp Mac And Cheese Recipe Everyone Loves

Seafood macaroni and cheese represents the ultimate culinary indulgence for passionate food lovers.

Maritime ingredients elevate this classic comfort dish into a sophisticated gastronomic experience beyond ordinary expectations.

Creamy cheese sauces intertwine with delicate ocean proteins, creating a symphony of rich, complex flavors.

Luxurious textures and elegant combinations reimagine an everyday pasta into something extraordinary and memorable.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike celebrate this innovative recipe’s ability to surprise and delight.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a gourmet twist on traditional mac and cheese.

Why Lobster, Crab & Shrimp Mac Is Pure Indulgence

• Seafood Symphony: Dive into a luxurious mac and cheese that transforms the classic comfort dish with succulent lobster, crab, and shrimp, creating an oceanic flavor explosion in every bite.
• Creamy Cheese Perfection: Experience a velvety sauce made with three types of cheese, carefully melted to create a rich, smooth coating that hugs each pasta shell with decadent goodness.
• Gourmet Comfort Made Easy: Elevate your dinner game with a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare, bringing elegant seafood and hearty pasta together in one spectacular casserole.

What Makes This Mac So Creamy and Ocean-Inspired

• Lobster: Sweet, delicate meat that adds luxurious flavor to the mac and cheese.
• Crab: Tender and rich seafood with a mild, sweet taste.
• Shrimp: Succulent protein that brings a delightful oceanic touch to the dish.

• Half & Half: Creamy liquid that helps create a rich, smooth sauce.
• Milk: Provides a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melt beautifully and offer complex, sharp, and nutty flavor profiles.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce base.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements seafood and cheese.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Provide richness and help sauté vegetables.
• Flour: Crucial for creating a thick, smooth roux.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures and holds the creamy cheese sauce.

How to Cook Shellfish and Pasta Together Like a Pro

Step 1: Preheat and Boil

Heat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent clumping.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Warm milk and half & half in a separate pan. In a large skillet, melt butter and oil. Sauté onions until translucent. Sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking briefly. Slowly whisk in warm milk mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cheese Fusion

Stir in of cheese until completely melted and sauce becomes silky. Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

Step 4: Layer the Deliciousness

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Create alternating layers of mac and cheese, seafood, and remaining cheese. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until top turns golden and seafood is perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes. This helps sauce settle and makes serving easier. Plate and enjoy your seafood mac and cheese while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips for a Golden Top and a Creamy, Seafood-Filled Base

• Maximize Seafood Flavor: Select fresh, high-quality seafood from a reputable fishmonger to ensure rich, sweet taste profiles in your mac and cheese.
• Perfect Cheese Melting: Grate cheeses at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
• Prevent Seafood Overcooking: Add delicate shellfish during the final baking stage to maintain tender texture and prevent rubbery, tough pieces.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat shrimp and lobster dry before adding to reduce excess liquid that could make the dish watery or soggy.
• Enhance Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle panko or seasoned breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, golden-brown crunchy layer.

Reheat Without Overcooking the Shellfish or Drying the Mac

• Refrigeration: Store leftover seafood mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to restore moisture. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Microwave Method: For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

What to Serve Alongside This Luxe Seafood Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich, creamy seafood mac and cheese perfectly. Its bright acidity cuts through the heavy cheese sauce and enhances the delicate seafood flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Citrus Salad: A zesty side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the indulgent main dish. The citrusy notes help balance the richness of the cheese and seafood.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic and herbs creates an ideal accompaniment. The crunchy texture and savory notes complement the creamy mac and cheese, offering a delightful textural contrast.
• Elevate with Crisp White Ale: A light, refreshing wheat beer with subtle citrus undertones pairs wonderfully with the seafood. Its effervescence cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy dish.

Ways to Make This Mac & Cheese Even More Luxe

• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, and a dash of cayenne to bring heat and complexity to the classic seafood mac and cheese.
• Mediterranean Maritime Mix: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean coastal flavor profile.
• Cajun Coastal Comfort: Blend Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and green onions to create a New Orleans-inspired seafood mac and cheese with robust, southern-style flavors.
• Herb Garden Seafood Special: Elevate the dish with fresh chopped dill, chives, parsley, and a touch of lemon zest to brighten the creamy seafood pasta with fresh herbal notes.

Lobster Crab Shrimp Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luxurious Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese redefines seafood comfort cuisine with its rich, creamy blend of succulent shellfish and perfectly melted cheeses. Coastal flavors merge in this indulgent dish that promises a gourmet experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Seafood and Pasta:

• 1 lb raw, deveined shrimp (tails removed)
• ½–¾ lb chopped lobster (raw or pre-steamed)
• ½–¾ lb lump crab meat
• 1 lb penne or large elbow pasta

Cheeses:

• 3 cups grated Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 cups grated Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half & half
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1–2 tablespoons Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning (or your preferred all-purpose seasoning)
• 2–3 teaspoons hot sauce or Tabasco
• 1–2 teaspoons liquid crab boil (optional, for extra flavor)
• Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully chop the vegetables, grate the cheeses, and season the seafood (shrimp, lobster, and crab) with salt, pepper, and herbs for enhanced flavor.
2. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until perfectly tender but firm. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. Gently warm the milk and half & half in a separate pot. In a large skillet, melt butter and oil, then sauté diced onions until translucent. Sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux, add minced garlic and fresh thyme, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk the warmed dairy into the roux, creating a creamy base. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Slowly stir in of mixed cheeses until completely melted and uniform.
5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish. Layer half the mac and cheese, then distribute the seasoned seafood evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, then repeat the layering process.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and seafood is thoroughly cooked.
8. Allow the dish to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set and intensifies the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy the luxurious seafood mac and cheese.

Notes

• Carefully select fresh, high-quality seafood from local markets to elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Grate cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan for a complex, rich cheese blend that melts smoothly.
• Toast breadcrumbs with herbs and butter for a crunchy golden topping that adds delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Use cold milk and cream when making the roux to prevent lumpy sauce and ensure silky smooth consistency.
• Store leftover seafood mac and cheese in an airtight container, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing.
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 850 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1420mg
• Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 275mg