Seafood Mac and Cheese

Name: Seafood Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta shells ((1 box)); 3 tablespoons butter; 2 cups milk; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 12 ounces cooked shrimp; 4 ounces imitation crab, diced into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper to taste ((optional)); 1 cup French fried onions ((optional))

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Perfect for shellfish lovers, this creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese combines tender pasta shells with a rich and cheesy sauce. Featuring shrimp and imitation crab, it’s easy to make and easy on the budget!

This comforting twist on the classic dish is also topped with crispy fried onions for a burst of savory flavor in every bite. A crowd pleasing mac casserole that’s great for weeknights or casual gatherings!

Overhead shot of seafood mac and cheese garnished with french fried onions and fresh herbs in a white baking dish.

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🩵 About This Recipe
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
🔪 Let's Make Seafood Mac and Cheese!
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
❔ FAQs
📝 Substitutions and Variations
🥡 Storage and Reheating
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
😋 More Mac and Cheese Recipes You'll Love
📋 Recipe Card
💬 Reviews and Comments

🩵 About This Recipe

Upgrade your mac and cheese with delicious seafood! This amazing baked shrimp mac and cheese features a simple but delicious cheese sauce and seafood in every bite.

With a crispy fried onion topping, this is a majorly savory and comforting take on mac and cheese that's perfect for seafood lovers. The whole family will love this gourmet mac and cheese that's fairly easy on the budget!

And if you can't get enough shrimp, try my Chipotle Shrimp Tacos or this One Pan Creamy Coconut Shrimp!

🧂 Gather Your Ingredients

Overhead shot of ingredients - cooked shrimp, small pasta shells, shredded cheddar, milk, butter, flour, french fried onions, and imitation crab.

pasta shells - feel free to use another pasta shape if you prefer, but the shells are perfect to go with the seafood theme!
butter
milk
flour - helps thicken the cheese sauce.
shredded cheddar cheese
cooked shrimp
imitation crab - you can use real crab if you prefer, but I love how affordable imitation is.
salt and black pepper
French fried onions - an optional topping that add a crispy and savory bite.

🔪 Let's Make Seafood Mac and Cheese!

(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)

Overhead view of process shot 1 - melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then mix in the milk.

Start Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large pot and mix in the milk.

Overhead view of process shot 2 - mix in the four and stir until combined.

Make Roux

Mix the flour into the butter mixture until combined.

Overhead view of process shot 3 - add the cheese and mix until completely melted and smooth.

Add Cheese

Stir the cheese in until fully melted and smooth.

Overhead view of process shot 4 - drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the cheese sauce, shrimp, crab pieces, and stir well until the cheese mixture is distributed evenly.

Mix in Other Ingredients

Add the crab, shrimp, and cooked pasta and mix until everything is coated.

Overhead view of process shot 5 - place the pasta mixture in a 2 ½ quart casserole dish and sprinkle with the french fried onions if desired.

Bake

Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with fried onions, and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes uncovered.

💡 Expert Tips and Tricks

If you're starting with raw shrimp, cook in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil until just opaque.
Avoid lumps by whisking continuously as you add the flour.
For an even smoother and meltier cheese sauce, grate your own cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in a thin layer that prevents it from sticking together but also prevents it from melting as well.

❔ FAQs

What is imitation crab made of?

Imitation crab is actually made mostly from a fish paste called surimi, which is usually made up of pollock and other similar white fish. It may not be actual crab, but it is still seafood!

What cheese pairs best with seafood macaroni?

Cheddar is always my starting point, but you can also use other varities of cheese like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Mozzarella. You'll want something creamy and melty for a rich and smooth cheese sauce.

Why is my mac and cheese watery?

For this recipe, it's like because of excess moisture in the shrimp and/or crab. Pat everything dry and be sure to drain any excess moisture you see to avoid watery pasta.

Side shot of seafood mac and cheese garnished with french fried onions and fresh herbs in a white baking dish.

📝 Substitutions and Variations

Make this even fancier by adding cooked scallops, lobster, or real crab.
Elbows, penne, and rotini are all great substitutions for the pasta shells.
For some extra flavor and an even heartier result, add some sauteed garlic and spinach.
Breadcrumbs can be used as a topping instead of the fried onions for a more classic mac and cheese.

Kristin’s Kitchen Tip

The fried onions are technically optional but add so much flavor to your mac and cheese! You can also top with some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

🥡 Storage and Reheating

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze your leftover shrimp macaroni, but be aware the flavors and texture might be slightly different once thawed.

To reheat your seafood macaroni, pop it in the microwave and or return to the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy. You can also reheat in the oven right from frozen at 350 degrees. It'll take about 25 to 30 minutes depending on how much macaroni you're reheating.

Keep It Handy

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🍴 What To Serve With This Dish

For a simple side dish, pair with a light green salad with a nice lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty and savory flavors. Another way to make this a complete meal is to serve with some roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.

😋 More Mac and Cheese Recipes You'll Love

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese - An easy slow cooker mac and cheese with hidden veggies for extra nutrition.
One Pot Mushroom Mac and Cheese - Hearty, earthy, and perfectly creamy!
Crock Pot Buffalo Mac and Cheese - Only 5 ingredients are required for this bold and zesty take on mac!
One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese - Add broccoli florets to your mac and cheese for a dinner and side dish all in one.
Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls - This incredible appetizer dish from Life Currents turns the classic pasta dish into a handheld delight!