Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. But what happens when you take that classic dish and elevate it with a luxurious blend of seafood? You get this Seafood Mac and Cheese. It’s a rich, creamy, and incredibly decadent casserole that’s perfect for a special occasion or whenever you’re craving something truly extraordinary. The tender shrimp and sweet crab meat take this beloved dish to a whole new level.

I was first introduced to this recipe at a family gathering and was immediately hooked. It has all the familiar comfort of classic mac and cheese, but with a sophisticated, coastal twist. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be finding excuses to make it again and again.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: creamy, cheesy pasta and fresh seafood. The homemade cheese sauce is the key here—it’s made from scratch with a blend of cheeses that gives it a velvety smooth texture and a rich, complex flavor. The addition of tender shrimp and sweet crab meat makes every bite an absolute delight. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that still feels elegant and special. It’s a great way to make a weeknight feel like a weekend or to serve something impressive at a dinner party.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Swaps and Notes

• Seafood: I’ve used a combination of shrimp and crab meat, but you can use other seafood like lobster, scallops, or even a different type of white fish.
• Cheese: The combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère provides a perfect balance of flavor. You can swap the Gruyère for Monterey Jack or even smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Cajun Seasoning: This adds a lovely, subtle spice that complements the seafood. You can use your favorite brand or make your own with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the mac and cheese a beautiful, crispy topping. You can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s all you have.

How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Whisk in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Seafood and Pasta: Gently fold the cooked macaroni, raw shrimp, and lump crab meat into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and the shrimp are distributed throughout.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from getting mushy.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese will give you the creamiest sauce.
• Raw Shrimp: Use raw shrimp and cook it in the sauce. This ensures it doesn’t get tough or overcooked.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Seafood Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce. For other great Southern-inspired dishes, you could serve it with my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or with my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers are delicious! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk to bring back some of the creaminess.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meals, you’ll want to check out some of these other favorites:

• For a classic that never disappoints, my Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• For a quick dinner that feeds a crowd, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are a lifesaver.
• My Easy Turkey Wings are a perfect comfort food for a lazy weekend.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Mac and Cheese is a recipe that takes a classic comfort food and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a perfect dish for a special occasion, but it’s simple enough to make whenever the craving strikes. I hope you give it a try and discover for yourself just how wonderful this decadent twist on a classic can be.

If you make this dish, I’d love to hear about it! What’s your favorite kind of seafood to add to a creamy pasta? Let me know in the comments below.