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Lobster and Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Lobster and Shrimp Mac and Cheese
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Lobster and Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a decadent twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender seafood with a rich and creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Seafood

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 3 cups milk or heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
  • Extra shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Seafood: Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just tender (al dente), then drain and set aside. Ensure lobster meat and shrimp are cooked and chopped into bite-size pieces, ready to fold into the cheese sauce.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste, forming the base for thickening the sauce.
  3. Create the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk warm milk or cream into the roux, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Remove from heat, then stir in shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and luscious.
  4. Combine Everything: Gently fold cooked lobster and shrimp into the cheese sauce. Mix in the drained macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer to a baking dish if baking is desired.
  5. Optional Bake and Finish: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. For extra crunch, toast breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling.

Notes

  • Use fresh or quality frozen seafood for best flavor and texture.
  • Cook macaroni al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Add milk gradually to roux to avoid sauce lumps.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better texture.
  • Toast panko breadcrumbs separately in butter for extra crunch.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go due to existing saltiness in cheese and seafood.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, shrimp mac and cheese, seafood macaroni and cheese, creamy macaroni, comfort food, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/lobster-and-shrimp-mac-and-cheese/