Seafood Mac and Cheese (Print Version)

Tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and savory seafood come together for a comforting family favorite.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 225 grams elbow macaroni

→ Dairy and Cheese

02 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

04 - 2 cups whole or 2% milk

05 - 3 tablespoons butter

06 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

10 - Salt to taste

11 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Seafood

12 - 225 grams cooked seafood mix (shrimp, crab, scallops, or combination)

→ Finishing Touches

13 - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

→ Other

14 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set pasta aside.

02 - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.

03 - Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.

05 - Gently fold the cooked seafood mix into the cheese sauce to combine.

06 - Add the drained pasta to the cheese and seafood sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

07 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with grated Parmesan and additional cheddar if desired. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

08 - Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use a blend of seafood such as shrimp, crab, and scallops, ensuring each is pre-cooked before incorporation.

02 - For a deeper flavor, substitute smoked paprika with a dash of cayenne or your preferred spice.

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